Anaheim Pediatric Orthodontics

Smiles You Can See from Space

Starship M Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics offers a full range of services for orthodontics in Anaheim for kids and teens. Because early treatment can have significant advantages for the outcome, we generally recommend having an evaluation as early as seven years of age to determine if early orthodontic treatment can benefit your child. We have extensive training, experience, and advanced technology to deliver exceptional care to our patients of all ages.

We encourage you to contact our office online or at for a consultation and evaluation for Anaheim orthodontic treatment.

American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children to receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. If a child shows signs of moderate or severe orthodontic problems and waiting is not recommended, early interceptive treatment is recommended at a young age. Early consultation helps identify urgent dental concerns that may worsen and be more difficult to correct later (and sometimes become uncorrectable), if left untreated.

Between the ages of eleven and seventeen, all baby teeth should have already fallen out. During adolescence, the jaw goes through rapid growth and it is advantageous to start treatment as the patient’s jaw growth can be utilized and even modified for improved results.

Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment

Phase 1, or early orthodontic treatment, is treatment that is provided before a child has all of his or her permanent teeth. This treatment is generally recommended for children between the ages of six and ten. The goal of this treatment is to create space for permanent teeth and to correct the alignment of the upper and lower jaw, which can help us avoid the need for extracting teeth later.

Treatments that are commonly performed during this phase include:

• Palatal expanders
• Spacers
• Active retainers
• Partial braces
• Appliances, such as headgear, face gear, expanders, and spacers
• MyoBraces

If a child has a severe orthodontic condition, early intervention is essential for a successful outcome. Waiting to address a serious problem can result in an issue with permanent teeth that requires more than standard orthodontic treatment. In addition, phase 1 treatment can have a positive impact on jaw growth, correct oral habits, and reduce the need for jaw surgery. We evaluate each child to determine the most appropriate intervention and timing for orthodontics in Anaheim.

Phase 2 Treatment

Phase 2 treatment generally includes orthodontic treatment that is performed when the permanent teeth have all erupted. This treatment is designed to improve the appearance, alignment, and function of the teeth. There are several options for braces and alternatives to braces for effective orthodontic treatment for a variety of conditions.

We offer orthodontic treatments that include:

• Metal braces
• Ceramic braces
• Fast braces
• Lingual braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisalign

During adolescence, the jaw experiences rapid growth. This growth period is an optimal time to start orthodontic treatment, since the growth can be modified or utilized to help improve the outcome of the treatment and
deliver better results for the patient. Certain problems can be difficult to correct in adulthood, so orthodontic care for teens is important for their overall and lifelong oral health.

Schedule an Appointment for an Evaluation

Whether you have been advised that your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment or you have concerns about your child’s teeth, we can help. We develop individualized treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient. We start with an examination of your child’s teeth and jaws to identify any conditions that need to be corrected and determine the best course of action.

If you have questions about the cost of treatment, insurance coverage, or financing options for orthodontics in Anaheim, please contact our office. Financing is available through Care Credit to help make orthodontic treatment
easier to fit within your family’s budget.

When you are ready to schedule an appointment, please call for personalized service.