There are so many ages and stages we go through with our kids, aren’t there? That exhausting and wonderful newborn stage, the discovery and curiosity of the toddler years, navigating the waters of school, the teenage years… Though the day in and day out of parenting are pretty intense, it is an incredibly high calling to love and care for the humans that have been entrusted to us. And when it comes to seeking orthodontic care, Specialty Smiles Orthodontics is there!
Orthodontic Treatment: Knowing When to Start
Growing up, it seemed like there was a season when everyone got braces. Most of my peers had them in middle and high school with the goal of having them off before their senior pictures. But did you know that the best time for a first orthodontic evaluation is at 7 years of age? This allows an orthodontist to evaluate how a child’s jaw is growing, how their first permanent teeth have come in, and take any necessary steps to ensure proper oral development. At this stage, any apparent orthodontic issues can be fixed early on before they get complicated over time. Depending on what a child’s needs are, they may benefit from expanders, space maintainers or other Phase 1 treatment to resolve minor issues and possibly lessen the length of time they may need to wear braces.
What to Expect
Scheduling that first orthodontic appointment can feel daunting, especially when you don’t know what to expect. But Dr. Alfonso Sedeño and the team at Specialty Smiles makes it easy by offering a free consultation and free growth monitoring! That means that the first visit can be worry-free and focused on identifying your child’s specific needs. If no intervention is needed at that time, your child can return for additional evaluations free of charge to monitor their orthodontic growth and development. That’s pretty great, isn’t it?!
Between the ages of 10-13, or when all of the permanent teeth have come in (with the exception of wisdom teeth), Phase 2 or full orthodontic treatment may be recommended to correct the bite and straighten teeth. Examples of Phase 2 or full orthodontic treatment include:
- Braces (traditional metal braces or clear braces)
- Invisalign
- 3D printed Specialty Aligners
- Propel accelerated orthodontic treatment
- Retainers
- Education for patients and their parents
But you don’t have to be a child or adolescent to receive treatment.
At Specialty Smiles, 30% of their patients are adults! So why not see how their orthodontic team can help you, too? Many adults who’ve previously had braces have teeth that have shifted and need limited orthodontic treatment. Or perhaps getting braces or Invisalign is something you’ve been putting off. Schedule your free consultation today! They accept all insurance plans including Medicaid, and also offer interest-free financing.
Miami Mom & Orthodontist Dr. Alfonso Sedeño
Dr. Melissa Alfonso Sedeño of Specialty Smiles Orthodontics is passionate about giving her patients the smile they want with their natural teeth. She graduated from the University of Florida Orthodontic Residency Program in 2016 and she and her husband, Dr. Eddy Sedeño, created Specialty Smiles in 2017. Together they are committed to providing the best orthodontic care available to children and adults. Driven by the belief that everyone deserves to have a beautiful smile, they strive to make orthodontic care accessible and affordable for all of their patients. And they make the process fun! Each patient plays a primary role in their treatment plan when they’re ready… even their youngest patients. Located in Miami Lakes, Specialty Smiles provides treatment for children and adults, making them an orthodontic practice for the whole family. Miami Moms Blog is proud to feature Specialty Smiles Orthodontics in our Miami Mom’s Guide to Orthodontists.
Anytime is a great time to have a beautiful smile. Experience expert orthodontic care from a team that will make you feel like family.
