Wake Forest, NC
At Grassroots Dental Wellness, we believe in addressing orthodontic and airway concerns early—because no child should suffer from poor sleep, breathing difficulties, or crowded teeth when there is a preventative solution.
What Is Early Intervention Orthodontics?
Traditional orthodontics often waits until a child is a teenager, after most of their facial growth has occurred, and then uses braces to fit teeth into whatever space is left. But what if we could guide jaw and facial development naturally—before problems worsen?
Early Intervention Orthodontics, also known as guided growth treatment, works with a child’s natural development to create space for teeth, promote proper breathing, and ensure balanced facial growth. This approach starts as early as age 3, helping children avoid major orthodontic complications later in life.
Warning Signs That Indicate the Need for Early Orthodontic Treatment
Many parents don’t realize that early orthodontic and airway issues often present as symptoms unrelated to teeth.
If your child exhibits any of the following, early intervention may be the right solution:
- Breathing & Sleep Issues
- Snoring or mouth breathing
- Multiple night wakings or difficulty staying asleep
- Night terrors or restless sleep
- Frequent bedwetting past an expected age
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Behavior & Developmental Concerns
- ADHD-like symptoms (difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, mood swings)
- Chronic fatigue or difficulty waking up in the morning
- Frequent headaches or jaw pain
- Oral & Dental Health Clues
- Tight baby teeth with little space
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Cavities or chronic bad breath
- Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
How Is This Different from Traditional Orthodontics?
Instead of waiting until age 12 or 13 to use braces and extractions to fit teeth into a space that may be too small, we work with a child’s natural growth process. By using gentle, non-invasive clear aligners and other removable appliances, we create space for proper tooth alignment while also optimizing breathing, sleep, and overall wellness.
More Than Just Straight Teeth: The Benefits of Guided Growth
Our holistic approach to orthodontics goes beyond teeth to improve:
- Facial and jaw development for a balanced, beautiful smile
- Nasal breathing to reduce snoring, allergies, and airway issues
- Muscle function with fun lip and tongue exercises (myofunctional therapy) to improve swallowing, speech, and breathing
Real Results: See the Transformation
Take the First Step Toward Your Child’s Best Smile and Health
If your child is showing signs of sleep-disordered breathing, crowded teeth, or oral dysfunction, early intervention can make all the difference. Schedule a consultation with us at Grassroots Dental Wellness and learn how we can help your child grow and thrive—inside and out!