Orthodontics for Children

At The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics, we believe early orthodontic care can make a lasting difference in your child’s dental health and self-confidence. While every child’s smile is unique, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist by age seven.

Why age seven? At this stage, most children have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing the doctors at The Smile Makers to spot potential orthodontic issues early. By catching these concerns at a young age, we can often correct them before they become more complex, avoiding surgery or extensive treatments in the future.

The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

At The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics, early evaluation and treatment allow the doctors to:

• Guide the proper growth of your child’s jaw for straight, properly aligned teeth

• Correct tooth spacing and alignment issues before they become severe

• Adjust the width of the upper and lower dental arches for balanced development

• Create additional space for crowded teeth to reduce the chance of future extractions

• Help eliminate habits like thumb-sucking that can negatively impact oral health

• Address minor speech problems related to jaw or tooth alignment

Early orthodontic care lays the foundation for a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.

Signs Your Child May Need to See an Orthodontist

It’s not always easy for parents to know when their child needs orthodontic attention. Look for these signs that it may be time to schedule a visit:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Difficulty chewing or biting food

• Mouth breathing

• Persistent finger or thumb sucking

• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth

• Jaws that pop or click when opening or closing

• Teeth that don’t come together properly

• Jaws and teeth that appear out of proportion with the face

• Crowded front teeth appearing around age seven or eight

If you notice any of these signs, contact The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics for a consultation.

What to Expect During Your Child’s First Orthodontic Evaluation

At your child’s first visit, the doctors at The Smile Makers will perform a gentle and thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, and bite. We may use digital scans or x-rays to get a complete picture of your child’s orthodontic health.

If early treatment is needed, we will carefully explain the best plan, which may include expanders, braces for children, retainers, or monitoring growth and development. We’re here to answer every question and guide you through each step of the process.

Why Choose The Smile Makers for Children’s Orthodontics?

• Care from experienced, knowledgeable doctors and a compassionate team

• State-of-the-art orthodontic technology, including digital scanning and 3D imaging

• Custom treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs

• A fun, welcoming, family-friendly environment

• Flexible scheduling options for busy families

• Convenient locations in Morehead City, Havelock and Jacksonville, NC

Start Your Child’s Journey to a Healthy, Confident Smile

The best smiles start early — and a consultation with the doctors at The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics is the first step.

👉 If your child is around age seven or showing signs of orthodontic concerns, schedule a consultation today!

All of our doctors have achieved Board Certification with the American Board of Orthodontics. Being Board Certified means our doctors have demonstrated the ability to diagnose and treat the most challenging orthodontic problems, and achieve beautiful and functional results! This certification is attained by only a fraction of orthodontists in the country, and we are the only Board Certified Orthodontists in the area. Choose to be treated by the best!