As your child’s smile develops, you may wonder whether their teeth are coming in correctly. Sometimes, there just is not enough room for permanent teeth to emerge properly, leading to crowding, misalignment, or bite problems.
At Orthodontic Specialists in St. George, Dr. Erickson believes in early orthodontic monitoring to ensure your child’s teeth and jaw grow in the right direction. That is why we offer our Kids Club—a free program designed to track dental development and determine the perfect timing for braces, if needed.
Why A Child May Need More Space for Their Teeth
When a child’s mouth is too small for incoming adult teeth, it can cause:
- Crowding – Teeth that overlap or twist make brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Impacted Teeth – A tooth might stay trapped beneath the gums if there isn’t enough room for it to erupt.
- Bite Misalignment – Improper spacing can lead to difficulties with chewing, speaking, and jaw comfort.
- Speech Challenges – Misalignments of teeth make it harder for children to pronounce certain words correctly.
Not all kids will need orthodontic treatment right away, but early evaluation ensures that if issues arise, Dr. Erickson can take action before they become more complicated.
How Our Kids Club Supports Growing Smiles
At Orthodontic Specialists in St. George, we make orthodontic care easy and stress-free with our Kids Club program. This complimentary service allows us to track your child’s dental growth, giving them the best start for a healthy, confident smile.
How the Kids Club Works:
First Consultation (Ages 7-8): Your child gets a free orthodontic exam, including X-rays, to assess their jaw and tooth development.
Growth Check Appointments: Every 6-12 months, we take updated images to monitor changes.
Personalized Treatment Timeline: Some children are ready for braces right away, while others need more time to grow. We will let you know the ideal time to start treatment. We simply watch and wait, allowing them to grow naturally before we need to intervene. If space issues arise, we will discuss options to help guide their smile into the best alignment.
Creating Space for a Healthy Smile
If your child does need more room for their teeth, Dr. Erickson may recommend:
- Palatal Expanders – These gently widen the upper jaw to make space for permanent teeth.
- Space Maintainers – If a baby tooth is lost too early, this device keeps the spot open for the adult tooth.
- Braces or Clear Aligners – These shift teeth into proper positions, preventing future alignment issues.
- Tooth Removal (Only If Necessary) – In some cases, removing a baby or permanent tooth is the best way to avoid severe crowding.
The goal of orthodontic treatment is not just a straight smile—it is ensuring a healthy, functional bite that will last a lifetime.
When Should Your Child Visit Dr. Erickson?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7 or 8. This does not mean your child will need braces right away, but it does help us track their growth and prevent problems before they start.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a consultation:
✔ Baby teeth falling out too early or too late
✔ Adult teeth appearing crowded or misaligned
✔ Difficulty chewing or biting
✔ Mouth breathing or prolonged thumb-sucking
✔ Complaints of jaw pain or speech difficulties
Help Your Child Smile with Confidence
A beautiful smile is more than just straight teeth—it is about health, comfort, and confidence. By monitoring your child’s dental development early, Dr. Erickson and our team can ensure they get the best possible care at the right time.
Join our FREE Kids Club today! Contact Orthodontic Specialists in St. George to schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation.
Let us help your child grow into a healthy, happy smile! Contact Orthodontic Specialists in St. George today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our FREE Kid’s Club program.
