Children's Orthodontics in Amarillo

A group of children are sitting on the floor with their arms in the air.
A young girl with braces on her teeth is smiling

What is Orthodontics and Why is it Important for Children?

If you're a parent, you've probably heard the word "orthodontics" thrown around when discussing the dental needs of your child. But what exactly is orthodontics and why is it important for children? Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of issues related to the alignment of teeth, bite, and jaw. In simpler terms, orthodontics is all about creating a healthy and aligned smile.

While most people think of orthodontics as simply a cosmetic treatment, it actually has many important health benefits for children. Here are some of the key reasons why orthodontics is crucial for your child's oral health:

  • Correcting Bite Issues

    A misaligned bite can lead to difficulty chewing, speaking, and even breathing. Orthodontic treatment can help correct these issues and improve your child's overall health and well-being.

  • Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

    Crooked or overcrowded teeth can be difficult to clean properly, making them more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can straighten teeth, making them easier to clean and maintain.

  • Boosting Self-Confidence

    A healthy and beautiful smile can have a huge impact on a child's self-esteem. By correcting any issues with their teeth, orthodontic treatment can help boost your child's confidence and improve their overall quality of life.

When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?

Now that you understand the importance of orthodontic treatment for children, you may be wondering when is the right time to take your child to see an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7.


At this age, your child's permanent teeth have started to come in, and an orthodontist can assess their bite and jaw development. Early intervention can help prevent more serious issues from developing and may shorten the length of treatment needed in the future.


However, if your child is over the age of 7 and hasn't had an orthodontic evaluation yet, don't worry. It's never too late to start orthodontic treatment. Our team at Super Smiles for Kids in Amarillo, TX is happy to provide orthodontic care for children of all ages.

Types of Orthodontic Treatment for Children

At Super Smiles for Kids, we offer limited orthodontic treatment for children. Limited treatment means that we focus on correcting specific issues with your child's teeth and jaw, rather than a full mouth treatment. This approach is more conservative and tends to be more cost-effective for families.

Here are some of the types of orthodontic treatment we offer for children:

  • Traditional Braces

    These are the metal brackets and wires that most people associate with orthodontic treatment. Traditional braces are very effective at correcting a wide variety of orthodontic issues.

  • Clear Braces

    For those who want a more discreet option, we also offer clear braces. These have the same function as traditional braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires.

  • Invisalign

    This is a popular option for older children and teens, as well as adults. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into their proper position.

  • Myobrace

    Myobrace is a removable appliance that helps correct orthodontic issues by addressing the underlying causes, such as improper tongue and jaw posture.

A person is holding a model of teeth and a clear retainer

Specialized Orthodontics for Children with Special Needs

At Super Smiles for Kids, we understand that every child is unique, and this is especially true with children with special needs. That's why we are proud to offer specialized orthodontic care for children with special needs.

Our team is trained to work with children who have a range of physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. We provide a compassionate and patient-centered approach, ensuring that each child receives the care and attention they deserve

Some of the specialized orthodontic treatments we offer for children with special needs include:

  • Sensory-friendly appointments to accommodate sensory sensitivities
  • Sedation dentistry options for children who have difficulty sitting still or who experience high levels of anxiety
  • Customized treatment plans to suit each child's individual needs and abilities
  • Parent education and coaching to help caregivers support their child's oral health at home
A person wearing pink gloves is holding a dental model with braces on it.

Tips for Caring for Your Child's Braces

If your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, it's important to make sure they are properly caring for their braces. Here are some tips to help you and your child maintain healthy braces:

  • Brushing and Flossing

    Even with braces, it's still important to brush twice a day and floss daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean around the brackets and wires.

  • Avoid Certain Foods

    Sticky or hard foods can damage braces, so it's best to avoid them. Some examples include gum, popcorn, hard candy, and nuts.

  • Wear a Mouthguard

    If your child plays sports, make sure they wear a mouthguard to protect their braces.

  • Attend Regular Appointments

    Regular check-ups and adjustments are essential for successful orthodontic treatment. Make sure your child attends all scheduled appointments so their braces can be properly maintained.

Why Choose Super Smiles for Kids for Your Child's Orthodontic Treatment in Amarillo, TX

At Super Smiles for Kids, we are committed to providing the best possible orthodontic care for children. Here are some reasons why you can trust us with your child's smile:

  • Experience: Our team has years of experience working with children of all ages, including those with special needs. We have the knowledge and expertise to provide top-quality orthodontic treatment.
  • State-of-the-art technology: We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure our patients receive the most effective and efficient orthodontic care.
  • Comfortable and Fun Environment: We know that children may be nervous about visiting the dentist, so we strive to create a comfortable and fun environment to help them feel at ease.
  • Gentle and Patient-Centered Care: Our team is gentle and compassionate, taking the time to understand each child's unique needs and providing personalized care that meets their individual needs.

Contact Us for Pediatric Orthodontics in Amarillo, TX

If your child is in need of orthodontic treatment, don't hesitate to contact our team at Super Smiles for Kids in Amarillo, TX. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your child's smile.

Give us a call at (806) 581-4180 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our limited orthodontic services for children. We look forward to helping your child achieve a beautiful and healthy smile!

A person is holding a clear mouth guard in their hands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is orthodontics and why is it important for children?

    Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating issues related to the alignment of teeth, bite, and jaw. It is important for children because it helps correct bite issues, prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and boosts self-confidence by creating a healthy and aligned smile.

  • When should my child see an orthodontist?

    The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This is when permanent teeth begin to emerge, allowing the orthodontist to assess bite and jaw development. Early evaluation can prevent future problems and may shorten treatment time.

  • What types of orthodontic treatments are available for children?

    At Super Smiles for Kids, we offer several types of orthodontic treatment for children, including:

    • Traditional Braces
    • Clear Braces
    • Invisalign
    • Myobrace

    These treatments help address specific dental issues and are often more cost-effective than full-mouth treatment.

  • What is limited orthodontic treatment?

    Limited orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting specific problems with your child's teeth and jaw rather than full-mouth treatment. This approach is conservative, more affordable, and often addresses immediate issues without requiring long-term commitment.

  • Do you offer specialized orthodontic care for children with special needs?

    Yes, at Super Smiles for Kids, we provide specialized orthodontic care for children with special needs. We offer sensory-friendly appointments, sedation options, and customized treatment plans to accommodate children with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. Our team also provides parent education to support at-home oral health care.