Orthodontic treatment (Braces) at Beverly Pediatric Dentistry will help your child bite and chew and
contribute to clear speech. When teeth function properly, they tend to look nice. An attractive smile is a
pleasant side effect of orthodontic treatment and can have emotional benefits. Self-confidence and self-
esteem may improve as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips, and face into proportion. Straight
teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease and injury.

Where did my child’s orthodontic problems come from?
Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Some are “acquired,” developing over time by sucking the
thumb or fingers, mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early
or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition.

Won’t my child’s teeth straighten out without braces as they grow?
Unfortunately, your child’s teeth will not straighten out as he or she grows. The space available for the
permanent front teeth does not increase as one grows. For most people, after the permanent (12 year)
molars come in, there is even less space available for the front teeth.
Untreated orthodontic problems can become worse, and more difficult to treat as a child gets older.
Untreated problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, broken front teeth and loss of bone tissue
that holds teeth in place.

What’s the right age for orthodontic treatment (braces)?
There is not one “right” chronological age for orthodontic treatment (Braces). Ideally, children should
have an orthodontic evaluation no later than the age of 7. But there is an ideal time to begin treatment
for an individual who needs it. Timing is determined by the type of problem that the child has or may be
developing, and the child’s stage of dental development. Some patients may require tooth movement
only, while others may need help with guiding the growth of their jaws, or to correct a sucking habit or
abnormal swallowing pattern that can re-shape the bone. There is not one “right” chronological age for
orthodontic treatment. Ideally, children should have an orthodontic evaluation no later than the age of
7. But there is an ideal time to begin treatment for an individual who needs it. Timing is determined by
the type of problem that the child has or may be developing, and the child’s stage of dental
development. Some patients may require tooth movement only, while others may need help with
guiding the growth of their jaws, or to correct a sucking habit or abnormal swallowing pattern that can
re-shape the bone.
Beverly Pediatric Dentistry has two convenient locations. Mclean office: 1363 Beverly Road, suite 250,
Mclean VA 22101 T: 703-752-2200 Washington DC office: 1426 21st Street, 2nd floor Washington DC
20036 T: 202-331-3474
Call us for a consultation visit. We are looking forward to meeting you and your family.