Abstract design with soft, wavy gray lines on a white background, creating a pattern of shadows and highlights.

Children’s Orthodontists San Antonio TX

With a bright smile and long hair, a young person in a white t-shirt shows off their braces, thanks to the expert care of children’s orthodontists, standing against a simple white background in San Antonio, TX.
A child with mouth open is examined by two gloved hands, seated in a dental chair at a children's orthodontist's office in San Antonio, TX

Give Your Child a
 Lifetime of Smiles

Your child needs well-aligned teeth and jaws for a healthy, lasting smile. While the best age for orthodontic care varies, Dr. Fateh Arslan and Dr. Ayla Idilbi, along with the American Association of Orthodontists, recommend scheduling their first visit by age seven.

What is Early Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment at Fiesta Orthodontics can help prevent serious dental problems and make future treatments shorter, easier, and less expensive. Some cases allow Dr. Fateh Arslan and Dr. Ayla Idilbi to achieve results that become harder once the face and jaws stop growing.

When is the Best Time for Treatment?

The best age for braces treatment often varies, but orthodontic treatments in San Antonio are most effective between ages 9 and 14. Some dental problems are easier to fix when treated early, before they worsen.

Role of a Children’s Orthodontist

A children’s orthodontist focuses on diagnosing and improving dental alignment in kids from infancy to adolescence. Unlike general dentists, orthodontists specialize in correcting issues using orthodontic appliances such as braces or retainers, while also monitoring the growth and development of the jaw and teeth.

Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Interceptive orthodontics, also known as early orthodontic treatment, tackles dental problems early to avoid more serious issues in the future. Advantages include:

A child receiving dental care from children's orthodontists, with gloved hands holding dental tools near the child's open mouth in San Antonio, TX

Preventing severe
dental issues

Early intervention prevents bigger problems, saving time, money, and discomfort.

Improving appearance
and confidence

Prompt care reduces hassle, costs, and pain.

Enhancing overall oral health

Straight teeth are easier to clean, lowering the chances of tooth decay and gum issues.

Benefits of Children’s
Orthodontic Treatment

A child’s oral health plays an essential role in overall well-being. Orthodontic care goes beyond aesthetics by promoting a clean, disease-free mouth.

Improved Oral Health and Hygiene

Properly aligned teeth improve daily brushing and flossing, minimizing oral health problems.

Enhanced Speech Development

Properly aligned teeth play an essential role in improving pronunciation and speech clarity.

Prevention of Future Dental Issues

Preventative dental care helps minimize the risk of developing serious issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease.

Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem

A healthy smile improves social confidence and creates a great first impression.

Understanding Children’s 

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic appliances are instruments utilized by orthodontists to address issues with teeth alignment and jaw positioning. These appliances come in different forms, each tailored to tackle particular concerns. Below are some of the most frequently used orthodontic tools:

Braces

 Brackets attached to each tooth, connected by archwires.

Aligners

Clear plastic trays for gradual tooth movement.

Retainers

Devices to maintain teeth alignment post-treatment.

Space maintainers

Tools for preserving space after a baby tooth is lost early.

Importance of Early Evaluation

The American Association of Orthodontists suggests a first orthodontic checkup by age seven. Detecting early overcrowding or bite concerns simplifies treatment and reduces future complications.

A children’s orthodontist with a mask and gloves smiles warmly at a young girl in the dental chair, who holds her favorite stuffed toy for comfort in San Antonio, TX

Treatment Process

Consultation

Includes examination, X-rays, and impressions.

Appliance Placement

Orthodontic devices are fitted based on the treatment plan.

Follow-ups

Regular adjustments to monitor and ensure progress.

Retention

A retainer is often used after treatment to maintain results.

A child in a dental chair smiles at a tablet held by a dentist, while another person stands nearby. This friendly setting is part of children's orthodontists' efforts to make visits enjoyable and engaging in San Antonio, TX

Appointment Duration and Frequency

The duration and frequency of orthodontic appointments depends on the orthodontic appliances used and the severity of the issue. Traditional metal braces usually require appointments every 4-6 weeks, while Invisalign aligners are replaced bi-weekly. Each visit lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, with total treatment time ranging from 6 months to 3 years depending on the case.

Common Orthodontic
Issues in Children

Here are some frequent orthodontic concerns addressed at Fiesta Orthodontics:
A dentist in blue scrubs, specializing in children's orthodontics, examines a young girl in the dental chair. She wears a bib and has her mouth open, while dental tools are meticulously arranged nearby in San Antonio, TX

Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, and Spacing Problems

Overbite: Top teeth overlap excessively, creating speech or eating difficulties.
Underbite: Bottom teeth stick out beyond the top teeth, often leading to jaw aches.
Crossbite:  Improper alignment of top and bottom teeth causes uneven wear.
Spacing Problems: Gaps or overcrowding can hinder chewing, speech, and oral hygiene.

Crooked or Misaligned Teeth

Caused by thumb-sucking, accidents, or genetic factors, misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean, risking decay and gum issues.

Crowding or Spacing Issues

Crowding leads to overlapping teeth and hygiene problems, while spacing makes it easier for food particles to become stuck.

Thumb Sucking and Other Oral Habits

Though typical in young children, extended thumb sucking may lead to dental misalignment and alterations in the shape of the mouth’s roof.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children

Orthodontic appliances are devices employed by dental specialists to improve the alignment and spacing of teeth and the jaw. These appliances are available in different styles, each tailored to resolve particular dental concerns. This guide will explore four popular types of orthodontic appliances: metal braces, clear aligners, functional devices, and retainers.
A smiling person with braces, showcasing the skilled work of children's orthodontists, wears a white shirt and places their hands on their cheeks against a bright blue background in San Antonio, TX

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have been a top choice in orthodontics for many years and remain the most prevalent type of orthodontic device.

Components

Brackets, archwires, and ligature elastics.

Benefits

Effective for severe misalignments, durable, and suitable for a wide range of dental issues.

Young woman with glasses smiling while holding a clear dental retainer, showcasing the effectiveness of clear aligners in San Antonio, TX

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners represent a modern alternative to traditional braces.

How They Work

Use consistent pressure to gradually move teeth, with new aligners replaced every two weeks.

Advantages

Discreet, removable for eating and cleaning, and convenient for oral hygiene.

Red orthodontic retainers with wire components sit on a white surface near a small looped tool and a pink, open storage case, showcasing their role as functional appliances in maintaining dental alignment in San Antonio, TX

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances are designed to address issues related to jaw growth. They are typically suggested for children and adolescents.

Types:

Twin Block, Bionator, and Herbst appliances.

Benefits:

Can improve jaw function and facial aesthetics, preventing future dental problems.

A young girl with long blonde hair holds a colorful dental retainer in front of her mouth, smiling with wide eyes. Wearing a light blue shirt, she stands against a bright background, embodying the joy often seen by children’s orthodontists in San Antonio, TX

Retainers

Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining teeth alignment and avoiding any shifts to their previous positions.

Types:

Removable (can be taken out for cleaning) and fixed (permanently bonded).

Benefits:

Essential for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment and a lasting smile.

A child sits in a dental chair with a blue bib, accompanied by an adult. A children's orthodontist in a white coat talks to them, all wearing masks in San Antonio, TX

Importance of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Interceptive orthodontics focuses on taking early action to resolve dental problems while a child’s jaw is still in the growth phase, helping to avoid more complex issues later on. Early treatment offers advantages such as reducing the risk of serious orthodontic concerns, enhancing aesthetics, and promoting healthier teeth. For children between 6 and 10, it’s an ideal window to treat conditions like crowding or crossbites, as their jawbones are still developing. From ages 11 to 15, when most permanent teeth have come in, braces become a common solution for correcting misalignments.

Finding the Right Pediatric Orthodontist

When choosing an orthodontist for your child, it’s essential to evaluate their credentials and expertise to ensure they meet your family’s expectations. Seek out an orthodontist with specialized training in orthodontics and a proven track record with pediatric patients. Other practical considerations, such as the office’s proximity, flexible scheduling, and costs—including insurance acceptance or payment plans—are also worth factoring in. Carefully selecting the best orthodontist helps provide your child with top-tier care and a pleasant, stress-free experience.

A dentist, specializing in children's orthodontics, shows a dental mold to a young girl sitting in the dental chair, while another person observes attentively in San Antonio, TX

Conclusion

Fiesta Orthodontics emphasizes the significance of early orthodontic assessments for kids, encouraging parents to schedule a visit by age seven. Early care can help identify and treat issues like crowding, overbite, or underbite, reducing the risk of complications as children grow. With tailored solutions like braces or retainers, young patients can achieve healthier smiles, greater confidence, and simpler treatments over time. Dr. Fateh Arslan and Dr. Ayla Idilbi are dedicated to providing expert care in a friendly and comforting setting for children.

FAQ

What age should a child go to an orthodontist?

It’s great to see you taking an active role in your child’s dental health! The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that kids have their first visit to an orthodontist by the age of seven. While this might feel early, it helps identify and address any possible concerns before they progress. Keep in mind, this initial appointment doesn’t mean your child will need treatment immediately. It’s primarily about monitoring their growth and ensuring their development is headed in the right direction.

Can a 6-year-old see an orthodontist?

Certainly! A 6-year-old is absolutely able to visit an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists even suggests that kids see an orthodontist for their first check-up by age 7. Early visits like these can help spot any concerns regarding jaw development or how the teeth are coming in. So, if you’re thinking about scheduling an orthodontist appointment for your child, now’s a perfect time! It’s an important step toward supporting a healthy and confident smile.

How painful are braces for kids?

It’s completely normal for kids to feel a bit of soreness or mild discomfort when they first get braces or after adjustments. This is simply because the braces are doing their job of shifting the teeth into proper alignment. The reassuring news is that this discomfort usually subsides within a few days and can often be managed with common over-the-counter pain medications. Before long, their mouth will adapt to the braces, and they might barely even notice they’re there. So, while braces may cause a brief period of discomfort, it’s temporary and easily managed.