• Location:
    420 McDonough Parkway, McDonough, Georgia 30253
  • Feel free to talk to us! 770-914-2808
  • Feel free to email us! pwbraces@gmail.com
Smile big with early treatment.

Early Treatment in Atlanta, GA

At Patel & Womble Orthodontics, we believe that braces aren’t just for teens and young adults. Between the ages of seven and 10, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends regular exams to target the ideal time for necessary early treatment. While few younger children are actually ready for braces, this early evaluation helps us pinpoint the best time for optimal treatment, minimizing both the length of time in braces and the cost for our patients. Get your smile off to the best start by contacting board-certified orthodontists Dr. Ruchir R. Patel or Dr. Brian A. Womble at either of our convenient offices in McDonough and Norcross, for an orthodontic consultation. Dental financing options are available through CareCredit®.

When Is the Best Time to Begin Orthodontics?

By the age of seven, most children have gotten their first set of adult molars. Once these molars are in place, it’s possible to determine what the future of your child’s bite may look like. As part of your child’s early evaluation, we’ll be screening for early signs of an overbite, open bite, tooth crowding, or other common dental problems.

What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluations?

It might surprise you, but signs of common problems can be detected at a very early age. Early examinations by our board-certified orthodontists Drs. Patel & Womble can diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems before they become a concerning issue or require more invasive treatments, such as orthognathic surgery. Early treatment allows us to:

  • Gently guide the growth and width of the jaw, helping permanent teeth come in straighter.
  • Increase the space for otherwise crowded teeth.
  • Avoid extracting permanent teeth.
  • Discourage thumb sucking.
  • Help patients overcome minor speech issues.
  • Reduce the oral risk caused by protruding teeth, in cases of injury or trauma.
  • Minimize the length of treatment.
  • Help parents make the best choices for their child’s developing smile

Early exams allow us to proactively intercept and treat dental concerns before they can permanently impact your child’s smile.

Why Is Age Seven Considered the Optimal Time for Screening?

At age seven, your child has a “mixed dentition,” meaning they have some remaining baby (primary) teeth, as well as new permanent (adult) teeth erupting. It’s the best stage to screen for orthodontic concerns or common problems that can be best addressed earlier on using simpler methods than surgery.

What Are the Advantages of Interceptive Treatment?

Early intervention can determine the health and beauty of your child’s future smile. Contact Patel & Womble Orthodontics if your child is experiencing:

  • Crowded or crooked teeth
  • Mouth breathing
  • Difficulty chewing and biting food
  • Premature or late loss of baby teeth
  • A habit of finger or thumb sucking
  • Gaps between teeth
  • A popping sound when opening or closing the mouth
  • Already crowded front teeth, by seven or eight years of age
  • Teeth or jaws that are disproportionate in size when compared to the face
  • An abnormal bite, or a bite that does not meet
  • Displaced teeth

A straighter smile offers many more benefits than the obvious aesthetic ones. Along with improved confidence and appearance, you’ll also reduce the future risk of:

  • TMJ Disorder
  • Cavities
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Lost Teeth
  • Excessive Dental wear
  • Broken or Chipped Teeth

Is Your Child a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

The first step to a better smile begins with an evaluation by one of our board-certified orthodontists who can tell you which treatment options are best for your child’s dental needs. Most types of early intervention begin around the age of seven. It is important to make sure that your child has good oral hygiene habits and is free of tooth decay.

Why Should Malocclusions be Treated?

Misaligned teeth and jaws can significantly impact the way your child’s adult teeth look in the future. Malocclusion may also alter their speech patterns, increase the risk of developing tooth decay and predispose a person to develop gum disease.

Untreated malocclusions can lead to:

  • Crowded teeth, which are more difficult to clean
  • Protruded (“jetted out”) teeth that are more susceptible to fractures
  • Crossbites that contribute to TMJ pain or abnormal tooth wear
  • Openbites that contribute to tongue thrusting and speech difficulties

Contact Us

Schedule your first visit with Patel & Womble Orthodontics at either of our convenient locations in McDonough and Norcross to find out if early treatment can benefit your child or teen. Easy financing is available through CareCredit®. Our Atlanta area office is open on Saturdays! Contact Dr. Brian A. Womble or Dr. Ruchir R. Patel today to book a consultation.