4 Year Old Daughter Needs Orthodontics

My daughter is 12 and I started her orthodontia when she was 11. She has a cross bite, too (hers wasn't so obvious) and she's had to go through the palate expander along with her braces. The first orthodontist we went to told me the same thing, that we should have started when she was younger, and then wanted to charge us ridiculous fees. I got a second opinion and she's getting exactly what she needs for a reasonable rate. I'd definitely seek another opinion.

My friend's daughter needed the same apparatus to expand her upper palate too, she was also around 4 years old when treatment was started. she is now having it removed and is about 5 years old, the treatment has worked. The apparatus is not really visible, it does make them lisp when they talk, but its kinda of cute. I really recommend it now, why wait until they are older.

hi P.,

i am an orthodontist (and a mom of 3 kids ages 3, 5 and 7). Crossbites are common and easy to correct with expanders, but unless it is extremely severe I wouldn't start any orthodontic treatment until age 6 or 7 (at the earliest). Often we start much later. There is no harm in doing it earlier and it would work well, but I don't like starting kids too young because they may not be psychologically ready. Without seeing her I can not really give you a valid opinion, but i do suggest you get another opinion. feel free to call my office if you'd like me to take a look or e-mail me if you have more questions: ____@____.com. L. Toth ###-###-####

Yes, I think that your dentist is right. My son had to have orthodontics at an early age, as he began to have trouble swallowing. Better to start now, before it gets worse because the treatment will be more difficult later.

Also, my dranddaughter had orthodontics at an early age, and now her permanent teeth are just beautiful! (She is seven) Blessings!

My son, Kyle, is eight. His orthodontic work began when he was six. His dentist does work with children as young as four. My son stills wears a non-removable (we lost a couple of removable ones)upper appliance and a lower appliance at night. It is amazing to see the difference in his teeth.

Kyle is also an adopted child, in his case from Russia. His baby teeth were classfied as soft teeth and they were so tight together I could hardly get floss through them, now there is proper space.

I have had a positive experience. His dentist is in Glendale.

M. O'Leary

My son was in 3rd grade when he got his expander (name of the appliance). I think if you go to a good orthodontist, he / she will address your concern. I highly recommend our orthodonist - great bedside manner, efficient, friendly office with state of the art equipment. My son friends all go to him - independently recommended by different pediatric dentists. Dr. Harry Doughterty in Sherman Oaks, number is ###-###-####.

I would get another opinion. If your dental Plan doesn't offer Ortho, I am insurance agent and have some plans that will, help keep the cost down. If you need this, call ###-###-#### or ____@____.com

Go see Drs. Schacter in West Hills. My kids and so many of our friends' kids go to this father and son orthodontics team. They're relly great with kids! ###-###-####

I personally wouldnt do it. I mean comeon shes four, she dosent need to go thru that kind of pain!!!
You're her mom and you are going to make the best decision, but me personally I don't think that its the best choice at this time. Don't always take the dr's advice to heart, and if you're thinking about it then please maybe get a second or third opinion, also ask her pediatrician if its a good idea. You have to keep in mind that she still has a whole lot of growing up to do!
I have a four year old daughter myself and I would totally freak out I think if somone told me that about my daughter. I had braces and an cleft palet appliance and i'll tell you; as a 15 yr old with that stuff on the thing that hurt me the most was the appliance.
Good luck, God bless and remember you will always make the best decisions for you and your daughter, over any dr any day. :)

P.

Just make sure you get at least two more opinions. I was told that my daughter at 7 needed orhtodontic work (not for the same thing). They wanted to charge me $3700.00. I got two more opinions and found out that others didn't feel the same way. She will eventually need braces but her current othodontist was right that her mouth was still growing and moving. If you look at pictures of her mouth at 7 and now it looks like to entirely different kids. Anyway, my advice is get some more opinions.

J. K.

Dr. James Yee is hands down the best pediatric dentist in town. He is right on in the heart of the Valley at Victory and Tampa Aves. and people come from all over LA -- even Santa Monica -- to see him. He works with a fantastic orthodontist named Dr. Bruce Abbink. Together, they put together the best treatment and orthodontics plan for you. My review is already among the many, many rave reviews you can find in the link below, so check it out.

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mo...