Prepare Your Child for a Lifetime of Smiles

As a parent in Billings and Miles City, you want the best for your child. That includes healthy teeth and a beautiful smile!

Dr. Kovacs and our Kovacs Orthodontics team will treat your children like our own by giving them the highest quality orthodontic care.

Kids Should Get an Orthodontic Check-Up By 7

By age seven, your child's teeth have developed enough for Dr. Kovacs to spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth before all of your child’s baby teeth are lost. This check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine, and braces for kids aren't necessary.

Or, Dr. Kovacs may identify a developing problem and recommend monitoring your child's growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for your child. In other cases, Dr. Kovacs might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

Miles City Orthodontist

Phase 1 Treatment

Early treatment at Kovacs Orthodontics may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, Dr. Kovacs can achieve results that may not be possible once your child’s face and jaws have finished growing.

The goal of the first phase of treatment is to create space in the dental arches for all permanent teeth to erupt and to properly relate the upper and lower jaw to each other. The type of treatment used will depend on each child’s orthodontic issues.

The severity of the problem will determine the type of appliance used and for how long. Left untreated, some conditions may not be treatable with braces alone and can result in the later removal of permanent teeth, or even jaw surgery.

Rest Period / Check Eruption Phase

Between the first and second phases of treatment, retainers are used to maintain the results and reduce relapse. During this rest period, we will continue to monitor the eruption of the permanent teeth.

While Phase I strives to allow permanent teeth to erupt into their correct positions, there are as many as 16 permanent teeth that have not come in, making the check eruption/recall appointment an important part of the overall process.

Phase II Treatment

The goal of Phase II is to straighten the permanent teeth and perfect the bite so that future jaw development is normal.

Like with the first phase, the severity of the case and patient compliance will determine the appliance used and length of treatment. Second phase treatment typically involves the use of braces and lasts, on average, around 18 months.

Choosing the Best Time for Treatment

While the age that kids get braces may vary, orthodontic treatment most often begins between 9 and 14. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early.

Many progressive treatments are now available for patients 7 to 11 years of age, that provide significant benefits, especially when jaw irregularities are present. These treatments may also prevent certain conditions from worsening.

Treating children with these types of problems during their growth stages allows our practice to achieve results that may not be possible when face and jaw bones have fully developed. This early treatment can simplify or eliminate additional treatment for the child.

If Dr. Kovacs thinks your child will need treatment, he’ll let you know when it will be best to begin treatment. This gives orthodontist Dr. Kovacs the best chance to:

  • Guide jaw growth
  • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
  • Correct harmful oral habits
  • Improve appearance and self-esteem in your child
  • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
  • Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
Signs Your Child’s Bite Isn’t Right

It's can be difficult to tell when your child may need braces or has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite.

Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention at Kovacs Orthodontics:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Crossbite
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Extended thumb-sucking or finger-sucking
  • Accidents

Learn More at Your Free Consultation

If your child has a dental issue, please contact our office and schedule a free consultation at our Billings or Miles City office.

Dr. Kovacs can talk about your child's orthodontic options and develop a treatment plan customized to your child's needs.