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When Should You Start Considering Orthodontic Treatment?

Life Is Better With a Smile

Litile boy shows myofunctional trainer
  • Labbe Family Orthodontics
  • April 24, 2019

Each patient and smile is different, and children’s teeth go through many phases as they grow. Consulting with a pediatric orthodontist early on can help you plan for the future and take the right steps at exactly the right time to help your child grow into a healthy, beautiful smile.

There are many great options when it comes to braces for kids. Let’s talk about how early to schedule the first orthodontist visit, what the initial visit will be like, and the options available for your children’s treatment.

At What Age Should Your Child Visit the Orthodontist?

The recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists is that children should have their first appointment at age seven. Certainly, if your dentist recommends a visit sooner or if you have specific concerns, you can visit a children’s orthodontist even earlier.

Why Is An Early Visit Important?

Straightening teeth is a science of gentle pressure and guidance. By visiting early and building a relationship with an orthodontist, your child gains these advantages:

  • Identifying jaw growth issues and treating emerging teeth for the best possible results.
  • Preventing more serious problems and more complex treatment in adulthood with early intervention.
  • Having time to correct oral habits like night thumb sucking before they impact permanent teeth and jaw growth, reducing the need for realignment later.
  • Reducing the risk of injury if the front teeth protrude, as well as reducing teasing and enhancing confidence.
  • Improving developing speech and reducing lisps by helping the lips meet correctly.

What to Expect at a Family Orthodontics Visit

Your first visit to an orthodontist’s office will help you decide if this is the right place for your family. The closest orthodontist might be the most convenient, but the relationship that your family builds with the right team of specialists can last through generations!

The purpose of a first appointment should be to meet your team of specialists and discuss your expectations and goals. The initial consultation procedure generally takes about one to two hours.

  • Supportive and friendly staff members will gather your family history and basic information.
  • Your orthodontist will perform a visual and gentle examination of the teeth and gums.
  • X-rays and photographs will be taken to identify hidden problems and document the starting point of treatment
  • Your orthodontist will explain any issues that might need treatment or may find that everything is great as it is.
  • You will get clear recommendations about what treatments might be beneficial and how soon they should start.
  • You will receive an estimate of treatment costs and get help understanding your insurance coverage.
  • If you wish, you might also discuss the payment plans and financing options available.

Moving Forward with a Family-Focused Team

At Labbe Family Orthodontics, we will help you choose a treatment plan that is timely, gentle, and affordable because we know life is better with a smile! We offer traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners, almost invisible ceramic braces, and more.

With a fun, family-focused environment, the best children’s orthodontist for your Maryland family is right here! At our conveniently located offices in Annapolis, Gambrills, Bowie, and Greenbelt, the smiles start with your first visit and last a lifetime. We would love to meet you and your children at any age, so schedule a free consultation now for that important first appointment.

Labbe Team
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Today’s a great day to learn more about orthodontic care and how we can help you change your life by changing your smile.

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what to expect
Our 5-Star Experience

Hear what our patients are saying about their experience with our doctors and team. We can’t wait to provide you with the same level of care!

Smilling Girl
Tyler S.
I really like this place the braces have acually worked unlike other places and the community is fun to be around
Uyen J.
Great office, everyone is super friendly. Convenient for kids coming directly from school, they provide space for them to brush/rinse before their appointment.
Brenda P.
Thank you, Dr. Miller and the entire team, for your outstanding care and professionalism. I truly appreciate the kindness, patience, and expert treatment you provide every visit—it makes a world of difference!
Shannon W.
Absolutely amazing staff and doctors! They have been amazingly professional each time we visit. I truly wish this could be our permanent dentist. We couldn’t have had a better experience for my daughter’s braces from beginning to end. I would refer them to anyone who is looking to get braces whether adults or children. Just an overall wonderful experience. Truly hard to find experiences like this!
Jason M.
Wonderful practice. My son looks forward to the visits. Very warm, welcoming and family oriented.
Nikki J.
Best Part!!! They care! Service: You will be in and out. All of the offices are ran like a well oiled machine. My smile will thank them forever.
John D.
Labbe Family Orthodontics is an outstanding office, with an exceptional team - from the friendly front office to the skilled orthodontists, everyone is always eager to assist and accommodate all patients. This goes without exception to Brittany, whose kindness goes above and beyond.

Highly recommend this office for anyone seeking top-notch orthodontic care!
Shannon T.
Labbe Family Orthodontics is a fantastic practice. They took their time and explained everything during our consultation. Tricia was incredibly helpful in explaining payment options and assisting us in determining what coverage we would have if we purchased a supplemental dental plan.
Dan H.
I never thought getting braces for our kids could be a joyful experience until we entered Labbe. We were blessed with an experience that pursued excellence while exhibiting amazing personal and relational care with an injection of authentic joy. Highly recommend!
Debbie S.
I love Labbe they are nice people and they take good care of you I would highly recommend
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Smilling Girl
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Whether you visit our location in Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, or Greenbelt, we offer all of the same orthodontic services. You will be treated with the same attention, experience, and high level of quality care. We look forward to serving you and your family soon!

Addresses
  • Annapolis
  • 114 Forbes St.
    Annapolis, MD 21401
  • Bowie
  • 4000 Mitchellville Rd. Suite 316
    Bowie, MD 20716
  • Crofton
  • 2630 Brandermill Blvd.
    Gambrills, MD 21054
  • Greenbelt
  • 7525 Greenway Center Dr. Suite 101
    Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone
  • (410) 267-7300
Office Hours
Monday8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday8:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday7:30am – 12:30pm
Addresses
  • Annapolis
  • 114 Forbes St.
    Annapolis, MD 21401
  • Bowie
  • 4000 Mitchellville Rd. Suite 316
    Bowie, MD 20716
  • Crofton
  • 2630 Brandermill Blvd.
    Gambrills, MD 21054
  • Greenbelt
  • 7525 Greenway Center Dr. Suite 101
    Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone
  • (410) 267-7300
Office Hours
Monday8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday8:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday7:30am – 12:30pm
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