Children's Orthodontics
Dr. Jesse McGuire is a children’s orthodontist in Phoenix, AZ, who has been practicing since 2009. He offers a full range of services, including early orthodontic treatment, traditional braces for children, and Invisalign clear braces for teens.
We Recommend an Orthodontic Evaluation for All Children
We follow the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommendation that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Around this age, kids have their first permanent molar, and this tooth's position helps Dr. Jesse identify existing and potential malocclusions like overbites or spacing issues.
Your child may not need braces but can benefit from early orthodontic treatment—also called phase one—to minimize the need for more invasive procedures in the future and even shorten treatment times.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment is beneficial because it allows us to correct or guide jaw growth which would be more difficult to do when the jaws are fully developed.
Some of the steps we take create space in the jaw that allows teeth to come in straight. The straighter permanent teeth are when they emerge, the shorter orthodontic treatment times may be, and the greater the chance that teeth will stay straight after braces come off.
With phase one orthodontic treatment, we can also minimize the need for extraction of permanent teeth in the future due to overcrowding. It also allows us to improve minor speech problems and address tooth or jaw problems caused by habits like finger and thumb sucking, pacifier use, and tongue thrusting.
Some appliances we commonly recommend with phase one treatment are space maintainers, palatal expanders, headgear, and retainers.
Traditional Orthodontic Treatment
By age 12–14, all permanent teeth have erupted, and it's time for full orthodontic treatment—phase two—to move teeth into proper alignment.
Silver Metal Braces
Metal braces consist of high-grade stainless-steel brackets, wires, and elastic ties. We secure the brackets to teeth with a specialized adhesive, and a flexible metal wire runs through the brackets to connect them. Rubber bands or elastics on each bracket hold the wires in place and apply constant pressure to move teeth into place gradually.
Thanks to advances in the materials used, modern silver braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than ever. Flexible nickel-titanium alloy is used for the wires that cause less pressure and less discomfort.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Appearances are crucial to tweens and teens, so in addition to metal braces, we also offer clear ceramic brackets that are more natural-looking. The shade of the brackets is similar to tooth enamel, so they are more aesthetic and less obvious.
Is It Time to Schedule Your Child's Orthodontic Evaluation?
We recommend orthodontic evaluations by age seven, but you are welcome to bring your child in to see us anytime if you have specific questions. Please call our children's orthodontist in Phoenix, AZ, to schedule an appointment.
