A child’s smile changes many times between the early school years and the teen years. Teeth may come in crowded, spaces may remain between teeth, or the bite may not meet evenly. These changes can affect brushing, chewing, speech, and the way a child feels about smiling.
Starlet Kids Dentistry provides Orthodontics for children and teens in Granada Hills, CA. Dr. Golshid Shakouri Partovi and the team evaluate tooth position, jaw growth, bite balance, and treatment timing so families can understand what their child needs and when care may be most helpful.
Orthodontics is dental care that focuses on the position of the teeth and the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Treatment may help move crooked teeth, close spaces, create room for crowded teeth, or improve bite problems such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
Children and teens may receive orthodontic care at different stages. Some children need an early evaluation so growth and tooth eruption can be monitored over time. Some may need early treatment to guide jaw development or make space for adult teeth. Teens may be ready for braces, clear aligners, or another orthodontic option once more permanent teeth have come in.
Orthodontic treatment uses gentle pressure to move teeth little by little. This may be done with traditional braces, lingual braces, Invisalign clear aligners, or other appliances, depending on the case. The goal is to support a bite that works better, teeth that are easier to clean, and a smile that feels more balanced.
Dr. Partovi will explain what she sees during the evaluation and what each option may involve. Parents can ask about timing, appointment schedules, home care, cost, comfort, and retainer use before deciding on a treatment plan.
Some orthodontic concerns are easy to see at home. Others are noticed during a dental exam or digital imaging. A child may need orthodontic care if tooth or jaw position affects cleaning, chewing, comfort, or smile appearance.
The bite describes how the upper and lower teeth meet. If the bite is not balanced, the teeth may not work together evenly. A child may have trouble chewing certain foods or may place extra pressure on certain teeth. Orthodontics can help guide the bite into a better position. This may reduce uneven wear, support jaw comfort, and help the teeth meet in a way that feels more stable during chewing.
Crowding happens when the mouth does not have enough space for teeth to line up well. Teeth may overlap, twist, or come in at angles. Crowded teeth can be harder to brush and floss because tight spaces trap plaque and food.
Orthodontic treatment can help create a more even tooth arrangement. This can make daily home care easier for children and teens, which may lower the risk of cavities and gum irritation in hard-to-reach areas.
Spaces between teeth may happen because of tooth size, jaw size, missing teeth, habits, or normal growth patterns. Some spaces close as more teeth come in. Wider or lasting spaces may need orthodontic attention.
Dr. Partovi can check the cause of the gap and explain whether treatment is needed. Orthodontics can help close spaces and guide teeth into positions that support better contact and a more even smile.
Children and teens often become more aware of their smiles as they get older. Crooked teeth, gaps, or bite concerns may make them feel shy in photos or social settings. Orthodontic care can improve smile appearance and function. Many families choose treatment because they want their child to feel more comfortable smiling, speaking, and taking part in school and activities.
Some tooth alignment concerns only need monitoring. Other concerns can become harder to treat as the child grows. An orthodontic evaluation helps parents understand which concerns need action and which can be watched.
Crowded teeth may collect plaque in areas that a toothbrush cannot reach well. Over time, this can raise the risk of tooth decay, gum irritation, and bad breath. Bite problems can place extra force on certain teeth, which may lead to enamel wear, sensitivity, or jaw discomfort.
A crossbite or jaw growth concern may affect facial growth or chewing patterns if it is not addressed during childhood. Delayed care may also make future treatment longer or more involved. Early orthodontic checks do not mean every child needs braces right away. They give families a clearer plan.
Starlet Kids Dentistry provides orthodontic evaluations and treatment planning in a pediatric dental setting. The team focuses on age-appropriate care, clear communication, and practical support for families.
The first step is a careful review of your child’s teeth, gums, bite, jaw growth, and oral habits. Digital images may be taken to check tooth roots, adult teeth under the gums, jaw structure, and spacing.
Parents can share concerns about crowding, gaps, thumb sucking, chewing, speech, breathing habits, or smile appearance. Dr. Partovi will explain whether your child may need early treatment, braces, aligners, another appliance, or ongoing monitoring.
Traditional braces may be a good choice for children and teens who need detailed tooth movement. Brackets and wires guide teeth over time and can treat many types of crowding, spacing, and bite concerns.
Lingual braces may be an option for some patients who want braces placed behind the teeth. Invisalign clear aligners may be appropriate for responsible teens who can wear removable trays for the required time each day. Dr. Partovi will explain which options fit your child’s needs and which ones may not be suitable.
Orthodontic treatment works better when the child and family understand the daily routine. Dr. Partovi will discuss expected treatment length, visit timing, food limits, cleaning habits, soreness after adjustments, and what to do if an appliance feels loose or uncomfortable.
Children with braces need extra care when brushing around brackets and wires. Teens with aligners need to remove them for meals, clean them properly, and wear them as directed.
Retainers are used after braces or aligners to hold teeth in their new positions. Teeth can move again if retainers are not worn as instructed. Dr. Partovi will explain how often your child should wear the retainer, how to clean it, and how to store it safely. Retainer care helps protect the time and effort that went into orthodontic treatment.
Parents want orthodontic care that feels clear, careful, and realistic. Starlet Kids Dentistry helps families understand the reason for treatment, the timing, and the steps needed to support a good result.
Dr. Partovi considers your child’s age, tooth eruption, jaw growth, and oral habits before recommending treatment. Some children benefit from early care. Others are better served by monitoring until more adult teeth arrive. This careful timing helps families avoid rushing into treatment too soon and helps catch concerns that may need attention during growth.
No single orthodontic option fits every child. Some patients need traditional braces for stronger control. Some teens may qualify for clear aligners. Some children need early guidance before full treatment begins. The team explains the benefits and limits of each option in simple terms. Parents can make decisions based on their child’s dental needs, habits, and level of responsibility.
Orthodontic care takes teamwork. The child, parent, and dental team all play a role. Starlet Kids Dentistry gives families tips for brushing, flossing, avoiding damaged brackets, managing soreness, and keeping aligners or retainers clean. Regular visits help Dr. Partovi check progress and make changes when needed. This support helps treatment stay on track.
Dr. Partovi speaks English, Spanish, and Farsi. This helps more families talk through orthodontic choices, timelines, instructions, and follow-up care in a clear way. Good communication matters during orthodontic treatment because parents and children need to understand each step before, during, and after care.
Orthodontics can help children and teens improve tooth position, bite function, brushing access, and smile confidence. A careful evaluation can show whether treatment is needed now, later, or only after more growth.
Starlet Kids Dentistry provides Orthodontics for children and teens in Granada Hills, CA, with thoughtful planning and family-focused care. Book your child’s Orthodontics consultation in Granada Hills, CA with Starlet Kids Dentistry today.
Many children should have an orthodontic evaluation around age seven. This visit helps Dr. Partovi check jaw growth, tooth eruption, bite development, and early spacing concerns.
No. Many children only need monitoring after the first evaluation. Dr. Partovi will explain if treatment is needed now or if it is better to wait.
Orthodontics can help with crowded teeth, gaps, crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and some jaw growth concerns.
Yes. Invisalign clear aligners may be an option for some teens. They must be worn as directed each day, so they are best for patients who can follow instructions well.
Many treatments take 12 to 24 months, but timing depends on the case. More complex bite or crowding concerns may take longer.
Braces can make brushing more detailed, but children can still keep their teeth clean with the right tools and routine. The team will show your child how to clean around brackets and wires.
Yes. Children can play sports with braces or aligners. A mouthguard is recommended to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and orthodontic appliances.
A retainer helps hold teeth in their new positions after braces or aligners. Without retainer use, teeth may slowly move back over time.
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