A lifetime of confident smiles begins at Soul Orthodontics in Simi Valley. With interceptive orthodontics (orthodontics for kids), we can detect, treat and prevent issues before they progress to a severe state.
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The Early Orthodontic Treatment Experience
Orthodontic treatment is a major milestone in your little one’s life. We do everything we can to help your child create a positive association with us, and make your visits the best part of their day.
We take having fun very seriously here! With an iPad station, coffee bar and ceiling-mounted TVs above each exam chair, our goal is to create a relaxed yet entertaining space for your little one, with a convenient, premium experience for you.
Did you know..…
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7.
Take the first step.
Say "hello" to modern orthodontics.
Our whole treatment experience is designed for your little one's comfort. We use the latest technologies to ensure precision in treatment planning, efficiency throughout the treatment process, and a comfortable experience at every visit.
With our advanced intraoral digital scanner, we create precise 3D models of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw structure — in just a few minutes, without the need for messy impressions. No goop. No gagging. No mess.
Board-Certified Orthodontist
When you choose our board-certified children's orthodontist in Simi Valley, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your little one's precious smile is in the most experienced hands.
Many orthodontists don't go the extra mile to earn their board certification. Earning his certification and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements, Dr. Albert demonstrates his commitment to going above-and-beyond to provide the highest standard of care.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
The Purpose
Early orthodontic treatment is best separated into two phases, designed to work alongside the natural development of the teeth and jaw bones.
In cases where a child’s upper or lower jaw is growing too quickly or their jaws are too narrow, early intervention can guide proper development.
Early intervention improves the function and appearance of the smile, helps boost their confidence as they grow, prevents dental issues (like crowding) and can help children break harmful habits (like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting) that interfere with normal jaw growth.
Phase 1 Treatment
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is typically completed between the ages of 7 and 10 and is aimed to prepare the mouth for permanent teeth to emerge in a healthy alignment with a sufficient amount of space.
During this phase, your child may be treated with a palatal expander appliance to widen the upper jaw and create room for permanent teeth to grow.
Phase 2 Treatment
This phase generally begins in the early teen years, when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase 2 treatment focuses on aligning the teeth and jaws to create a harmonious appearance. During this phase, a full treatment of braces is often completed.
Every child develops at a different rate, and your child’s treatment plan will be 100% personalized to his or her needs. At your first visit, we’ll give you all of the information you need to make the right choice for your little one!
Braces for Kids: How it works
Initial Consultation
We'll start with a complimentary consultation and assessment! We offer free consultations, because we want you and your child to get answers from a board-certified children's orthodontist, with no risk.
Dr. Albert will examine your child's smile, including a physical exam, advanced 3D x-rays and a quick digital scan, and discuss any symptoms your little one may be experiencing. This give us the full picture of their smile needs.
Personalized Treatment Plan
If we find that your child needs orthodontics, Dr. Albert will design their custom treatment plan. Every child is unique and each smile develops at a different rate, so this plan may include an appliance followed by braces, or a full treatment of braces.
We'll explain the process in detail, ensuring that you and your little one are comfortable every step of the way. Dr. Albert will become your personal orthodontist who will take care of you at every visit.
Transformation Process
On average, Phase 1 orthodontics typically takes about one year. However, every smile is different, so some patients' treatments may be shorter or longer.
During this time, you and your child will have periodic visits with Dr. Albert. He'll continue assessing their smile progress, monitoring their oral health, and helping them establish a strong foundation for a beautiful set of permanent teeth.
Once treatment is complete, your child will begin wearing their custom retainer, to maintain their beautiful new smile for a lifetime.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
FAQs
What are the signs that my child may need early interceptive orthodontics?
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If any of these symptoms sound familiar, we encourage you to book a complimentary consultation with us!
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Excessively gapped teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking
- Mouth-breathing
- Lack of confidence when smiling
- Difficulty or pain when chewing or biting
An early assessment of your child's growth gives you peace of mind that your child is thriving.
Is early orthodontic treatment necessary?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about ‘straightening teeth’. It’s about intercepting problematic conditions before they worsen, preventing discomfort or difficulties associated with untreated conditions, and establishing a healthy foundation for a beautiful set of permanent teeth.
The goal of early treatment is to develop the jaws to allow for ideal dental development. By supporting proper growth of the jaw and correcting certain bite issues early on, we can eliminate the need for more complex, lengthy forms of treatment (such as jaw surgery) in the future.
What causes orthodontic problems in my child?
While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
When is the best age to get braces?
The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7.
Age 7 sounds young, we know, but this doesn’t mean that orthodontic treatment will begin at this age. Dr. Albert is your highly-experienced children’s orthodontist in Simi Valley, here to listen to your concerns and help you choose the right path for your child.
Not every child needs orthodontic treatment, but those who do will benefit for a lifetime.
How much does early interceptive orthodontics cost?
The cost of early interceptive orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s early interceptive orthodontics is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
