Dental services
Pediatric Orthodontics in Newport, NH
Some children have crowded teeth, narrow jaws, crossbites, mouth breathing, or sleep concerns. These findings do not all have the same cause, but they can be worth evaluating while the jaws and teeth are still developing.
Airway-focused orthodontic care considers dental and orthodontic factors together with relevant breathing and sleep concerns. Selected growth and bite problems can sometimes be addressed while a child is still growing rather than waiting for all adult teeth.
This approach can create room for permanent teeth while supporting healthy jaw and oral development.
Some families are told to “wait and see,” but certain orthodontic problems may benefit from early treatment while a child is still growing.
The goal isn’t just to make the smile look better. We also consider jaw growth, the bite, available space, oral function, and airway-related concerns as part of the treatment plan.
When should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?
You do not need to wait until all the adult teeth are in.
By around age 7, enough permanent teeth are usually present to identify many developing bite, spacing, eruption, and jaw-growth concerns.
Early orthodontic treatment
Early treatment is sometimes used to correct a problem while the jaws and teeth are still developing.
The goal might be to make room for adult teeth, correct a crossbite, improve how the bite fits together, or guide development before a problem becomes harder to treat.
Palatal expanders
A palatal expander gently widens a narrow upper jaw while a child is growing.
Expansion may be helpful for some children with crossbites, crowding, or limited space for developing teeth.
Breathing, sleep, and the developing mouth
The mouth, jaws, tongue, and airway are closely connected.
During a dental or orthodontic visit, we may ask about mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, or other concerns when they are relevant.
Airway-focused orthodontic care
When planning orthodontic care, we consider more than whether the teeth look straight.
We also look at jaw growth, available space, bite, oral habits, and how the mouth functions. Treatment options include palatal expanders and other appliances, with clear-aligner treatment when appropriate.
Will early treatment prevent braces later?
Sometimes early treatment makes future orthodontic care easier, but it does not guarantee that no treatment will be needed later.
Children continue to grow and adult teeth continue to come in.
We follow those changes over time and adjust the plan when needed.
Orthodontic care as your child grows
Canobie Dental can follow your child's dental and orthodontic development during regular visits, from early intervention through comprehensive orthodontics or clear aligners during the teenage and adult years.
Next step
Plan a visit to our Newport office
Canobie Dental is accepting new patients. View appointment information or call with questions.