Southeast Family Dental

Dr. Laura Geiger

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(317) 359-8000

Southeast Family Dental

6020 Southeastern Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46237

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Southeast Family Dental > Services > Early Orthodontics

Address orthodontic issues early to give your child a positive start with their oral health.

Early Orthodontics in Indianapolis, IN

Early orthodontic intervention, also known as interceptive orthodontics, focuses on identifying and addressing orthodontic issues in children at a young age, typically between the ages of 7 and 11. Treatment during this critical developmental phase can lead to shorter overall treatment times in the future.

A Foundation for a Healthy Smile

By addressing potential problems early on, dentists Dr. Geiger, Dr. Jones, or Dr. Miller Mouchaham can guide the growth and development of the teeth and jaws, prevent more serious issues from arising later, and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic intervention offers significant advantages beyond achieving a straighter smile. Children who receive orthodontic care during their developmental years benefit from improved oral health and enhanced overall development and often experience shorter treatment times. Here are three key advantages of choosing early orthodontic treatment for your child:

Simplified Future Treatment

Early orthodontic intervention often reduces the complexity of future treatments during the teenage years. By addressing developmental issues during optimal growth periods, we can minimize the need for extensive orthodontic procedures later and potentially reduce treatment times.

Enhanced Preventive Care

Children with properly aligned teeth and jaws often have an easier time brushing and flossing their teeth. When teeth are perfectly spaced, there are fewer hard-to-reach areas where plaque can accumulate, reducing the risk of cavities and gum problems throughout childhood and adolescence.

Better Speech Development

Many orthodontic issues can affect speech development in growing children. Early intervention helps ensure proper tooth and jaw positioning, preventing speech difficulties from developing or becoming permanent and supporting clear communication during their early years.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Laura Geiger

Dr. Geiger is a third-generation dentist, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather. She joined Southeast Family Dental in 2011 after she graduated from Indiana University School of ...

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Dr. Katie Jones

Dr. Jones graduated from Center Grove High School and received her bachelor's degree from Purdue University. She then attended Indiana University School of Dentistry, where she received her degree in ...

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Dr. Laura Miller-Mouchaham

Dr. Miller Mouchaham is grateful to be back home in Indianapolis and seeing patients at Southeast Family Dental. A Franklin Township native, she graduated from Indiana University Bloomington and attended ...

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Importance of Early Orthodontics in Indianapolis

Getting started early with orthodontic treatment when needed is crucial for your child's dental development: Treatment room at Southeast Family Dental

Early Detection of Orthodontic Issues — Early orthodontic evaluations allow orthodontists to identify potential problems such as misaligned teeth, bite issues, and jaw discrepancies at an early stage when they are easier to correct.
Guiding Facial Growth and Development — By intervening at a young age, dentists in Indianapolis, IN, can influence the growth and development of the jaws, helping to ensure proper alignment and symmetry of the teeth and facial structures.
Preventing More Serious Problems — Addressing orthodontic issues early can prevent more serious problems, such as overcrowding, impacted teeth, and TMJ disorders, from developing later.
Improving Oral Function — Early orthodontic treatment can improve oral function, including chewing, speaking, and swallowing, by correcting bite issues and properly aligning teeth.
Boosting Self-Esteem — By addressing orthodontic issues early and improving the appearance of the smile, early orthodontics in Indianapolis, IN, can boost children's self-esteem and confidence, leading to better overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common childhood orthodontic issues?

Early intervention at Southeast Family Dental effectively addresses several common childhood orthodontic concerns, including:

Malocclusions — Malocclusions, or bite problems, occur when the teeth do not fit together properly, leading to issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
Crowding — Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the dental arch for all the teeth to erupt properly, leading to overlapping or crooked teeth.
Spacing — Spacing issues occur when there are gaps or spaces between the teeth due to missing teeth or insufficient dental arch space.
Protruding Teeth — Protruding teeth, also known as overjet, occur when the upper front teeth stick out too far beyond the lower teeth, increasing the risk of injury and affecting the smile's appearance.
Jaw Discrepancies — Jaw discrepancies occur when the upper and lower jaws do not align properly, leading to overgrowth or undergrowth of one jaw relative to the other.

Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation

If you have concerns about your child's dental development, we encourage you to Call Southeast Family Dental at (317) 359-8000 to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Our experienced team will thoroughly assess their needs and discuss appropriate treatment options for their specific situation.

We serve families throughout Indianapolis, including Beech Grove, Franklin Township, Warren Township, and surrounding communities.

Early Orthodontic Treatment Options

Orthodontic appliances After a thorough evaluation, our dentists may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Palatal Expanders — Palatal expanders are devices that widen the upper jaw to create more space for the permanent teeth to erupt properly, addressing issues such as crowding and crossbites.
Space Maintainers — Space maintainers are appliances used to preserve space in the dental arch following premature loss of primary (baby) teeth, preventing adjacent teeth from drifting into the space and causing crowding.
Orthodontic Appliances — Various orthodontic appliances, such as braces, clear aligners, and functional appliances, may be used to correct malocclusions, spacing issues, and jaw discrepancies, depending on the child's specific needs.

Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation for Your Child

Whether correcting misaligned teeth or addressing bite issues, early orthodontic treatment can make a significant difference in their smile and confidence. To discover more about the perks of early orthodontics, visit Southeast Family Dental at 6020 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203, or call our dentist in Indianapolis, IN, at (317) 359-8000.

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