The Do’s and Don’ts of Removable Retainers

Children rarely complain about crooked teeth, bite issues, or crowded smiles the way adults do. In fact, many orthodontic concerns develop gradually, making them easy for parents to miss during the early years. A child may seem to chew normally, smile confidently, and have no obvious dental problems. Meanwhile, permanent teeth may be coming in with limited space, a jaw may be developing unevenly, or habits like thumb sucking and mouth breathing may be affecting long-term oral health. This is why many parents are surprised when an orthodontist recommends an evaluation around age 7. The recommendation is not because every child needs braces that young. It is because some orthodontic issues are much easier to guide while a child is still growing. A pediatric orthodontist focuses on identifying those concerns early and determining whether a child would benefit from treatment now, later, or simply careful monitoring over time. In this guide, you'll learn what a pediatric orthodontist does from an expert’s point of view: Dr. Sarah Pavon Groy , founder-owner of Dr. Sarah Orthodontics & Aesthetics . Learn also when children should first see an orthodontist, how braces and other treatment options work, and what parents can realistically expect throughout the process. Discover the answers to many of the questions families commonly ask when deciding how and when to support their child's developing smile! What is a pediatric orthodontist? According to Dr. Sarah Groy: “A pediatric orthodontist focuses on guiding the growth and development of a child's teeth, jaws, and bite.” While orthodontists treat patients of all ages, those who work extensively with children understand how a growing smile changes over time and how to intervene when necessary. “Many parents associate orthodontics with braces during the teenage years. In reality, orthodontic care often begins much earlier. Some concerns can be identified while baby teeth are still present, allowing treatment to be timed more effectively and, in some cases, reducing the complexity of future care.” - Dr. Sarah. The goal is not always to start treatment right away. Sometimes, the most valuable service a pediatric orthodontist provides is monitoring growth and helping parents understand what to expect as permanent teeth begin to emerge. What does a pediatric orthodontist do? A pediatric orthodontist evaluates how a child's teeth and jaws are developing and determines whether any orthodontic concerns require attention. During an evaluation, they may look for: Crowded or overlapping teeth Bite problems, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites Jaw growth discrepancies Early or delayed loss of baby teeth Habits that can affect development, such as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use Depending on what they find, the recommendation may include: Continued monitoring Early orthodontic treatment (Phase 1 treatment) Braces at a later age Clear aligners for eligible patients Retainers or space maintainers One of the biggest misconceptions parents have is that every orthodontic visit leads to braces. In many cases, a child's first appointment simply establishes a baseline and allows the orthodontist to track growth over time. Is a pediatric orthodontist different from a pediatric dentist? Yes. Although both professionals work with children, they focus on different aspects of oral health. A pediatric dentist specializes in: Preventive dental care Cleanings and exams Fillings and cavity treatment Fluoride treatments Monitoring overall dental health A pediatric orthodontist specializes in: Tooth alignment Bite correction Jaw development Braces and aligners Long-term orthodontic planning Think of it this way: a pediatric dentist helps keep your child's teeth healthy, while a pediatric orthodontist helps ensure those teeth fit together properly as your child grows. The two professionals often work closely together. A pediatric dentist may be the first to notice crowding, bite concerns, or developmental issues and recommend an orthodontic evaluation. If you live in Virginia Beach, scheduling both regular dental visits and timely orthodontic evaluations can help identify potential concerns before they become more difficult to correct later on. At what age should a child first see an orthodontist? Many parents assume orthodontic evaluations should wait until all permanent teeth have come in. In reality, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That recommendation often surprises families because most 7-year-olds still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. The reason is simple. By this age, enough development has occurred for an orthodontist to identify concerns such as: Crowding Crossbites Underbites Overbites Jaw growth issues Problems with tooth eruption This does not mean treatment will begin at age 7. Most children will simply be monitored until the timing is right. An early evaluation allows orthodontists to watch growth patterns and intervene only when it provides a meaningful benefit. When should my child see an orthodontist? Dr. Sarah Groy recommends: “While age 7 is a good benchmark, some children benefit from an evaluation even earlier if certain signs are present.” You may want to schedule an orthodontic consultation if your child: Loses baby teeth very early or very late Has difficulty chewing or biting Frequently breathes through their mouth Has crowded, overlapping, or blocked-out teeth Experiences jaw shifting when opening or closing Has a noticeable overbite, underbite, or crossbite Continues thumb sucking beyond the toddler years Parents often notice one of these concerns during routine daily activities, whether it is while helping with brushing, looking through family photos, or hearing comments from a dentist. If you live in Virginia Beach , an early orthodontic evaluation can provide peace of mind even if no treatment is needed. Sometimes the most reassuring answer is learning that your child's development is progressing normally. The best age for a child to get braces

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“How much do braces cost here in Virginia Beach?” We get asked that question a lot. Let’s break down the costs and the factors that influence them.