Child Orthodontics in Lakewood, CO
Early Orthodontic Care: Why Timing Matters for Your Child’s Smile
Are you wondering when your child should first see an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children have their first orthodontic visit between the ages seven and eight. At Belmar Orthodontics in Lakewood, we provide specialized child orthodontic care that focuses on early detection and treatment of potential issues before they become more complex problems.
Early orthodontic examinations can identify developing concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed. Conditions like underbite or crossbite, when left untreated, can become much more severe, complicating treatment and extending the time needed for correction. Dr. Timothy Hardy and Dr. Cierra Randall at Belmar Orthodontics have extensive experience in evaluating young patients and developing customized treatment plans that address their specific needs.
Many parents ask, “What if my child’s teeth look straight?” Even with seemingly aligned teeth, underlying issues with jaw development or tooth eruption patterns might exist. Early intervention allows our orthodontists to guide proper facial and jaw development, potentially eliminating the need for more invasive treatments later. Our team is dedicated to creating positive, comfortable experiences for children while setting the foundation for lifelong dental health.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children in Lakewood
Proactive Monitoring for Optimal Development
Early orthodontic care offers numerous advantages beyond simply straightening teeth. When you bring your child to Belmar Orthodontics, our specialists will carefully monitor incoming teeth and facial development. This proactive approach helps us guide teeth into their ideal positions and address potential issues before they become more challenging to correct.
Our orthodontists use advanced diagnostic tools to identify hidden dental issues that might not be visible during regular dental check-ups. Through early detection, we can reduce the risk of impacted teeth, a painful condition where teeth cannot properly emerge through the gums. This monitoring also significantly decreases the likelihood that your child will need tooth extractions in the future, preserving their natural smile.
By addressing orthodontic concerns during crucial developmental years, we can often achieve results that might not be possible once facial growth is complete. The growing jaw is more malleable, making it an ideal time to correct bite issues, address crowding, and create proper spacing for adult teeth yet to emerge. Many parents are surprised to learn how much easier treatment can be when started at the right time.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences for Lasting Health
| What We Monitor | Why It Matters | Potential Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth Eruption | Ensures adult teeth have proper space | Reduces crowding and alignment issues |
| Jaw Growth | Guides proper development | Prevents bite problems and facial asymmetry |
| Breathing Patterns | Identifies potential airway concerns | Supports better sleep and overall health |
| Oral Habits | Addresses thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting | Prevents related dental issues |
At Belmar Orthodontics, we understand that early dental experiences shape your child’s attitude toward oral healthcare for life. Dr. Hardy, Dr. Randall, and our caring team create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel comfortable and understood. Unlike general dental visits, our child orthodontic appointments focus on building rapport and educating both parents and children in a non-threatening way.
We take time to explain procedures using kid-friendly language and demonstrate techniques that make orthodontic care easier to understand. This approach helps children develop positive associations with dental visits and empowers them to take ownership of their oral health. Many of our young patients actually look forward to their appointments!
Our Lakewood office is specially designed with children in mind, offering a relaxed atmosphere that helps ease dental anxiety. We find that when children understand the “why” behind orthodontic care, they become more engaged in the process and develop habits that will benefit them throughout adulthood.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Orthodontic Consultation at Belmar Orthodontics
Comfortable, Kid-Friendly First Visits
Your child’s first orthodontic visit at Belmar Orthodontics will be a positive, stress-free experience. We understand that many children (and parents!) feel nervous about dental appointments, which is why we’ve created a welcoming environment where young patients can feel at ease. Our Lakewood office features comfortable seating, friendly staff, and a warm atmosphere designed specifically with children in mind.
During this initial consultation, Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, jaw, and facial structure. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including digital imaging, they’ll evaluate your child’s current dental development and identify any potential issues. We’ll take time to explain everything in simple, clear terms that both you and your child can understand.
Our team excels at making this first visit fun and educational rather than clinical. We encourage questions from both parents and children, believing that informed patients make better partners in treatment. Many children leave their first appointment excited about the possibility of orthodontic care after experiencing our gentle, compassionate approach.
Advanced Technology for Precise Treatment Planning
At Belmar Orthodontics, we utilize the latest orthodontic technology to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans for our young patients. Our digital imaging systems create detailed pictures of your child’s teeth and jaw with minimal radiation, allowing us to see developing issues that might not be visible during a regular examination.
These technological advances also enable us to show you exactly what we’re seeing and explain potential treatment options using visual aids. We can often simulate treatment outcomes, helping both you and your child understand what to expect from orthodontic care. This transparency builds trust and helps children feel more involved in their treatment process.
Our unique capability to offer KLOwen Braces represents our commitment to providing cutting-edge care. This innovative system allows us to design your child’s perfect smile using custom brackets and precision wiring, potentially reducing treatment time compared to traditional braces. We also offer various aesthetic options that help children feel less self-conscious about wearing braces, including clear brackets that blend with natural tooth color.
Customized Orthodontic Solutions for Children in Lakewood
Treatment Options Tailored to Your Child’s Needs
Every child has unique orthodontic needs, which is why we offer a range of specialized treatment options at Belmar Orthodontics. Dr. Hardy and Dr. Randall may recommend early interventional appliances to guide jaw growth, traditional braces for comprehensive alignment, or clear aligner options for appropriate cases. Our approach always considers your child’s specific situation, comfort, and lifestyle.
For some children, a two-phase treatment plan provides optimal results. Phase one addresses developmental issues during early mixed dentition (when both baby and permanent teeth are present), while phase two focuses on final alignment once all permanent teeth have erupted. This staged approach can significantly reduce treatment complexity and improve outcomes for certain orthodontic issues.
We also offer interceptive orthodontics—targeted treatments that address specific problems before they worsen. This might include space maintainers to preserve room for unerupted teeth, palatal expanders to correct crossbites, or habit-breaking appliances to address issues like thumb-sucking that can affect dental development. These targeted interventions often reduce or eliminate the need for more extensive treatment later.
Creating Lifelong Healthy Dental Habits
- Education on proper brushing and flossing with orthodontic appliances
- Guidance on foods to enjoy and those to avoid during treatment
- Regular monitoring to ensure treatment progresses as planned
- Celebration of milestones throughout the orthodontic journey
Beyond straightening teeth, we focus on establishing good dental habits that will benefit your child for life. Our team provides detailed instructions on maintaining oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, making it easier for children to keep their teeth clean and healthy. We demonstrate effective brushing techniques specifically designed for braces or aligners and recommend the best tools for optimal cleaning.
We believe that educating young patients about their oral health empowers them to take responsibility for their smile. Children who understand the connection between their daily habits and their dental health are more likely to maintain good practices throughout adulthood. Our orthodontists and staff take time at each appointment to reinforce these lessons in a positive, encouraging manner.
Why Choose Belmar Orthodontics for Your Child’s Orthodontic Care
Specialized Expertise in Child Orthodontics
Selecting the right orthodontist for your child is a significant decision. At Belmar Orthodontics, Dr. Hardy brings advanced specialty training in orthodontics along with extensive experience treating children of all ages. As a board-certified orthodontist and active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, he maintains the highest standards of care through ongoing education and training in the latest techniques.
Dr. Randall complements our practice with her passionate approach to pediatric orthodontics and commitment to creating beautiful, healthy smiles. Her comprehensive treatment philosophy addresses not just aesthetics but also functionality, jaw relationships, airway concerns, and long-term stability. Both doctors understand the unique needs of growing patients and provide specialized care that considers developmental stages.
Our orthodontists have successfully treated thousands of children throughout Lakewood and surrounding communities, giving them the experience to handle everything from simple alignment cases to complex orthodontic challenges. They participate in continuing education to stay current with the most effective treatment approaches and technologies, ensuring your child receives the best possible care.
Affordable Care with Flexible Payment Options
We believe quality orthodontic care should be accessible to all families in Lakewood. That’s why Belmar Orthodontics offers several payment options designed to fit various budgets:
- Start treatment for as little as $250 down
- Monthly payments as low as $125
- Extended payment plans up to 36 months (even beyond active treatment time)
- Acceptance of all PPO dental insurance plans
- Medicaid coverage for qualifying patients
Our transparent financing approach eliminates confusion and frustration. We provide clear, straightforward terms and work with families to create payment schedules that accommodate their financial situations. Our staff will help you understand your insurance benefits and maximize your coverage for orthodontic treatment.
Many parents appreciate our no-surprise billing policy and comprehensive fee structure. We believe in being upfront about costs from the beginning, which is why we offer free initial consultations to discuss both treatment options and financial considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Orthodontics
When should my child first visit an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children have their first orthodontic check-up between the ages seven and eight. At this age, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to identify potential issues with jaw growth and emerging teeth. Early evaluations at Belmar Orthodontics can detect problems that might not be obvious to parents or general dentists, providing opportunities for intervention that might prevent more complex treatment later. Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, an orthodontist can identify subtle issues with bite alignment or jaw development that might benefit from monitoring or early treatment.
How can I tell if my child needs orthodontic treatment?
While some signs are obvious, such as visibly crooked teeth or difficulty chewing, others might be more subtle. Watch for habits like thumb-sucking past age 5, mouth breathing, difficulty closing lips comfortably, early or late loss of baby teeth, or teeth that don’t meet normally when biting. Speech difficulties or frequently biting the cheek or roof of the mouth can also indicate potential orthodontic issues. At Belmar Orthodontics, our comprehensive evaluation will identify concerns that might not be apparent during regular dental check-ups, using specialized diagnostic tools to assess both current conditions and developmental patterns.
Does early orthodontic treatment mean my child won’t need braces as a teenager?
Early intervention doesn’t always eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment, but it can significantly reduce its complexity and duration. Phase one treatment addresses developmental issues and helps guide proper growth, potentially preventing more severe problems from developing. Some children who receive early intervention may still need a second phase of treatment when all permanent teeth have erupted, but this second phase is often shorter and less complicated than it would have been without early treatment. During your consultation at Belmar Orthodontics, we’ll explain whether a two-phase approach is recommended for your child’s specific situation and what benefits each phase provides.
How do I help my child maintain good oral hygiene with braces?
Maintaining oral hygiene with braces requires additional attention, but becomes routine with practice. We recommend brushing after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, along with daily flossing using floss threaders or water flossers specifically designed for braces. At Belmar Orthodontics, we provide detailed demonstrations of effective cleaning techniques and recommend helpful tools like interproximal brushes for cleaning around brackets and wires. We also suggest creating a checklist or calendar to help your child establish a consistent routine. Regular dental cleanings remain important during orthodontic treatment, and we coordinate care with your family dentist to ensure optimal oral health throughout the treatment process.
What food restrictions will my child have with braces?
While wearing braces, your child should avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or require biting into with front teeth. This includes hard candies, popcorn, nuts, ice, chewy caramels, taffy, and whole apples or corn on the cob. However, there are still plenty of braces-friendly options! Soft foods like pasta, rice, seafood, cooked vegetables, and dairy products are excellent choices. At Belmar Orthodontics, we provide comprehensive food lists and creative recipe ideas to help your child enjoy meals without compromising their orthodontic treatment. We recommend cutting fruits into small pieces and choosing soft breads over crusty varieties. With some simple adjustments, most children quickly adapt to their temporary dietary modifications.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Consultation Today
Don’t wait to give your child the gift of a healthy, beautiful smile! Early orthodontic intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes and your child’s overall dental health. At Belmar Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing exceptional care in a friendly, comfortable environment that puts children at ease.
Our free orthodontic consultations allow you to learn about your child’s specific needs without financial pressure. During this initial visit, we’ll conduct a thorough examination, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions about the process. Our team will also explain payment options and help you understand insurance coverage for orthodontic care.
Dr. Hardy, Dr. Randall, and the entire Belmar Orthodontics team look forward to welcoming your family to our practice and helping your child achieve a confident, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
📍 Visit Us: 311 S Teller St, Lakewood, CO 80226
📞 Call: (720) 330-2673
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today
$250 TO START
$125 / MONTH
36 MONTHS
Paying for braces shouldn’t be a frustrating or complicated thing. We don’t want your experience to be like that. We’ve worked really hard to make it as simple and straight forward as possible by providing clear, straightforward, and realistic financing terms.
