Orthodontics for Kids
Nature’s way is the best way.
We believe in working with nature to intercept orthodontic issues before they progress to a severe state, and preventing your little one from experiencing pain and discomfort associated with untreated conditions.
Not every child needs orthodontics, but those who do will benefit for a lifetime.
Simple Orthodontics is led by Dr. Carlson, a globally-renowned orthodontist and educator on early prevention. You can trust that we have your child's best interest at heart.
Custom braces for kids
We find that custom solutions are essential for children. Their smiles may be small, but their orthodontic needs are complex.
Using custom treatments helps us achieve hyper-efficient tooth movement, guiding teeth and jaws into a healthy formation as they’re still growing, to minimize treatment time and ensure highly-predictable results.
Orthodontics reimagined.
Orthodontic treatment is a smooth, tailor-made journey with our modern practice. Throughout treatment, you’ll get to complete virtual check-ins with us from an easy app, only visiting us when necessary.
When you do visit us, you’ll experience top-tier care right away. No waiting around.We’ll be ready for you when you arrive, and you’ll feel like our only patient.
Every aspect of our practice was carefully-selected with you and your little one’s needs in mind.
Does my child need treatment?
Whether you notice any of these signs or not, your child’s first orthodontic screening should be scheduled by age 7 (as advised by Dr. Carlson as well as the American Association of Orthodontists.)
Signs that indicate your child may need early prevention include:
- Lack of confidence when smiling or hiding smile regularly
- Early, late or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Jaws or teeth are disproportionate to the rest of the face
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Crooked, crowded or gapped teeth
- Grinding or clenching the teeth
- Receding chin
- Thumbsucking or tongue-thrusting habits
- Jaw pain or facial pain
- Jaw shifting, popping or clicking
- Persistent mouth breathing
- Poor sleep quality
- Digestive issues caused by improper chewing
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
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Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is typically completed between the ages of 6 and 10, depending on the child’s development, and is aimed to prepare the mouth for permanent teeth to emerge in a healthy alignment with a sufficient amount of space in the mouth and airways.
During this phase, your child may be treated with a custom palatal expander appliance (or another appliance) to widen the upper jaw and create room for permanent teeth to grow.
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Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment
This phase generally begins when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase 2 treatment focuses on aligning the teeth and jaws to create a harmonious facial appearance and healthy bite.
During this phase, a full treatment of custom LightForce™ braces or custom Invisalign® clear aligners may be completed.
Every child develops at their own unique rate. On your first visit, we’ll help you make the right choice for your little one’s health and happiness.
Airway Health in Preventive Orthodontics
Airway restrictions are detectable at an early age, by a highly-trained eye and state-of-the-art technologies.
If not addressed early on, airway issues can cause sleep disruptions, chronic snoring, behavioral problems, difficulty concentrating, delays in development, and over time, cardiovascular complications.
Orthodontics goes far beyond aesthetic smiles. Dr. Carlson includes an airway assessment in your child’s screening to create a holistic treatment plan that promotes optimal respiratory function and sets your child up for a healthy life – physically and mentally.
Marin County’s Orthodontist
Globally recognized for his expertise, Dr. Carlson chose to specialize in orthodontic prevention, 3D treatment planning and airway health to give your child comprehensive care that positively impacts his or her smile and total well-being.
For over 25 years, Dr. Carlson has perfected thousands of smiles. We look forward to perfecting your little one’s smile too.
