Children Orthodontist in Long Beach CA

Top Rated Pediatric Orthodontics


Specialized Children Orthodontic Services in Long Beach

Dr. Heather Desh, Board Certified Children Orthodontist in Long Beach

Orthodontic treatment can be an important component of your child’s oral health. Teeth that fit together properly help your child’s mouth function as it should, improving biting, chewing, and speaking ability. When your child undergoes orthodontic treatment, you are setting them up for a lifetime with a healthy smile.

If you believe your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment, schedule a consultation today. Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future – not only will a straighter smile help them greet the world more confidently, it will create a lifetime of better oral health too.

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Cypress CA Orthodontist: Dr. Heather Desh
Dr. Desh Professional Associations, ABO, AAO, CDA

What age should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist for the first time around the age of seven. At this age, your child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing the orthodontist the chance to evaluate how the adult smile will take shape. After X-rays, photos, and a physical exam, the orthodontist will be able to determine if any problems exist, and when treatment should begin.

But don’t worry if your child is past the age of seven – it’s never too late to schedule a consultation. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Conversely, if your child is younger than seven and you notice something looks off with your child’s bite, you don’t have to wait for a consultation.

Signs your child may need orthodontic treatment

While some orthodontic issues may not be immediately seen, there are some signs that can indicate your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Crowding in the mixed dentition
  • Lingual Braces (Inbrace)
  • Problems chewing or biting
  • Breathing through the mouth
  • Underbites or severe overbites
  • Crossbites
  • Jaw shifting or clicking
  • Cheek biting
  • Facial imbalance
  • Speech issues

What treatment will my child need?

There are many different types of orthodontic treatment available today. Your child’s treatment plan will be unique to your child because no two smiles are alike.

Some children benefit from early interventive orthodontic treatment, which is done in two phases. During the first phase, the orthodontist will prepare the mouth for the eruption of the remaining permanent teeth. That means your child will still have some baby teeth in place. Oftentimes, Phase I will involve jaw expansion to make space for the permanent teeth to erupt. This period of mixed dentition allows us to eliminate or reduce skeletal and neuro-muscular issues that could worsen as the permanent teeth continue to erupt. Then, once all of the permanent teeth have erupted, your child will be ready for full braces to align the remaining teeth and fully correct the bite.

Other children may only require one phase of treatment if adequate space is present for the permanent teeth to erupt and the bite is developing normally. The treatment that is best for your child is determined after a consultation with a board-certified orthodontist. For patients that come in at age 7 or later and do not need early intervention, Dr. Desh monitors their growth, development and eruption of permanent teeth over time so she can start treatment at the right time.

Braces today come in a variety of forms, including metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners. Your orthodontist will recommend what treatment type will be best to meet your child’s needs.

Dr. Desh specializes in a variety of treatment options allowing your child’s treatment to be customized to best suit their needs.

  • Clear and metal braces
  • Self-ligating Damon braces
  • Inbrace (lingual braces)
  • Invisalign First and Invisalign Teen treatments
  • 2 Phase treatment