Children’s Orthodontics in Harrisonburg, VA

Proper teeth alignment and jaw position promote optimal oral health. Children’s orthodontics sets young patients up for a healthy smile and a lifetime of benefits. Dr. Frances M. Kray and Dr. Julia A. Giardina offer a variety of treatments for children, including braces, retainers, aligners, headgear, palatal expanders, and more. Our doctors are committed to providing patients of all ages with high-quality, comprehensive care.

Children’s Orthodontics

Proper teeth alignment and jaw position promote optimal oral health. Children’s orthodontics sets young patients up for a healthy smile and a lifetime of benefits. Dr. Frances M. Kray and Dr. Julia A. Giardina offer a variety of treatments for children, including braces, retainers, aligners, headgear, palatal expanders, and more. Our doctors are committed to providing patients of all ages with high-quality, comprehensive care.

When should I bring my child in for a consultation at your Harrisonburg office?

The official recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is that children should undergo their first orthodontic consultation by age seven. During this developmental period, your child’s facial and dental bones are still growing. As a result, treatment is often easier and less invasive. Detecting and resting problems at an early age can reduce the need for more complex procedures in the future, such as corrective jaw surgery.

 

Just because you bring your child in for an examination doesn’t mean that our doctors will recommend treatment. In fact, oftentimes, children don’t need to wear braces until age 11 or 12. However, if certain skeletal issues are detected, prompt treatment can optimize results. Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina can share their findings with you during an initial consultation at our practice.

When should I bring my child in for a consultation?

The official recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is that children should undergo their first orthodontic consultation by age seven. During this developmental period, your child’s facial and dental bones are still growing. As a result, treatment is often easier and less invasive. Detecting and resting problems at an early age can reduce the need for more complex procedures in the future, such as corrective jaw surgery.

 

Just because you bring your child in for an examination doesn’t mean that our doctors will recommend treatment. In fact, oftentimes, children don’t need to wear braces until age 11 or 12. However, if certain skeletal issues are detected, prompt treatment can optimize results. Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina can share their findings with you during an initial consultation at our practice.

Treatments Offered in our Harrisonburg Practice for Children’s Orthodontics

Every child has his or her own unique set of dental needs. Our team tailors each treatment plan to improve health, function, and appearance. Below, we will explore some of the most common procedures in children’s orthodontics.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

In some cases, our doctors may recommend early interceptive orthodontic care – referred to as Phase I treatment. This may involve braces, space maintainers, retainers, palatal expanders, headgear, and more. Children who require early orthodontic care usually begin around age seven or eight, then start Phase II around age 11 or 12. During an appointment at our practice, Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina can let you know whether or not early treatment would be beneficial for your child.

Traditional Braces

Metal braces have been around for decades. They are still the most common orthodontic appliances in use today. Metal brackets, bands, and wires are placed on the teeth to gently move them over time. Braces for kids can be customized using different colored rubber bands. This helps make orthodontic visits fun!

Ceramic Braces

We also offer ceramic braces, which are more discreet. These appliances work just like traditional braces, but consist of ceramic brackets and frosted arch wires. Ceramic braces are often used on older kids and adults, but may be recommended for younger children as well.

Invisalign® and Clarity® 

Though Invisalign and Clarity is often popular among teens and adults, this orthodontic system can be suitable for younger patients in certain cases. Instead of using metal components to shift the teeth, Invisalign uses clear, removable trays.

Growth Modifications

Jaw growth issues can often be addressed with orthodontic headgear, rapid maxillary expanders, habit appliances, and more. These removable and fixed appliances are typically worn to promote optimal jaw development. These appliances are often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as braces or retainers.

Treatments in Children’s Orthodontics

Every child has his or her own unique set of dental needs. Our team tailors each treatment plan to improve health, function, and appearance. Below, we will explore some of the most common procedures in children’s orthodontics.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

In some cases, Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina may recommend early interceptive orthodontic care – sometimes referred to as Phase I treatment. This may involve braces, space maintainers, retainers, palatal expanders, headgear, and more. Children who require early orthodontic care usually begin around age seven or eight, then start Phase II around age 11 or 12. During an appointment at our practice, our doctors can let you know whether or not early treatment would be beneficial for your child.

Traditional Braces

Metal braces have been around for decades. They are still the most common orthodontic appliances in use today. Metal brackets, bands, and wires are placed on the teeth to gently move them over time. Braces for kids can be customized using different colored rubber bands. This helps make orthodontic visits fun!

Ceramic Braces

We also offer ceramic braces, which are more discreet. These appliances work just like traditional braces, but consist of ceramic brackets and frosted arch wires. Ceramic braces are often used on older kids and adults, but may be recommended for younger children as well.

Invisalign® and Clarity®

Though Invisalign is often popular among teens and adults, this orthodontic system can be suitable for younger patients in certain cases. Instead of using metal components to shift the teeth, Invisalign uses clear, removable trays.

Growth Modifications

Jaw growth issues can often be addressed with orthodontic headgear, rapid maxillary expanders, habit appliances, and more. These removable and fixed appliances are typically worn to promote optimal jaw development. These appliances are often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as braces or retainers.

Learn more about children’s orthodontic treatment at our Harrisonburg, VA office today.

Our team understands the unique needs of younger patients. We work with kids to show them the importance of proper dental care, and show them how to brush and floss with braces.

 

If you suspect that your child needs braces, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our doctors. They can provide specialized care to straighten your child’s smile and promote healthy teeth and gums.

 

Contact us online anytime or call our office at (540) 433-8814.

Learn more about children’s orthodontics

Our team understands the unique needs of younger patients. We work with kids to show them the importance of proper dental care, and show them how to brush and floss with braces.

 

If you suspect that your child needs braces, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our doctors. They can provide specialized care to straighten your child’s smile and promote healthy teeth and gums.

 

Contact us online anytime or call our office at (540) 433-8814.

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