07
Apr
Is Your Child Ready for Braces? A Guide to Orthodontics for Kids in Milford, Massachusetts
You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether your child is ready for braces. Many parents in Milford, Massachusetts, face this decision. We specialize in early intervention in jaw development. We believe the oral structure is dynamic, and with proper development early on will improve a child’s future dental and overall health. Here’s a guide to help you understand when your child may be ready for braces.
What is the right age for my child to get braces?
The ideal age for evaluation and jaw development is between five and nine. A thorough evaluation by an experienced airway-focused dentist, like Dr. Ko, Dr. Bressler, and Dr. Kashefi, can help determine readiness. Many children require early intervention.
How do I know if my child needs braces?
Several signs indicate a need for braces, including:
- Crowded or crooked teeth – When teeth overlap or are misaligned, braces can help straighten them.
- Overbite or underbite – If your child’s upper teeth stick out too much or the lower teeth protrude, this can cause problems with biting and chewing.
- Crossbite – A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth are too far inside or outside the lower teeth.
A consultation with Dr. Ko, Dr. Bressler, and Dr. Kashefi will help determine the best course of action.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (508) 850-0686 | Existing Patients: (508) 478-3800
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What types of braces are available for kids?
Our office in Milford, Massachusetts, offers:
- Traditional Metal Braces are the most common, made of high-grade stainless steel. They are effective in treating a wide range of dental issues.
- Invisalign for Kids – An excellent option for older children or teenagers, Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, offering a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
We’ll help you choose the right option for your child during your consultation.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
Starting orthodontic treatment early can significantly impact your child’s dental development. Early intervention helps prevent more serious problems down the road and can shorten the length of treatment later. Some benefits include:
- Improvement in sleep and breathing – our proven method of expansion to create 3D oral volume also helps increase nasal chamber volume. We have seen kids improve in their overall health and behavior.
- Preventing bite issues – Correcting problems like an overbite or underbite early can help avoid chewing or jaw pain complications.
- Straightening teeth – Early treatment can help make room for permanent teeth to come in properly.
- Improving confidence – Straightening your child’s teeth early can help improve their self-esteem and smile.
Transform Your Child’s Smile – Schedule a consultation today!
If you think your child might be ready for braces, schedule a consultation with Alan Ko, DMD, Brittany Bressler, DMD, or Saeed Kashefi, DMD. FAGD in Milford, MA. Our team is dedicated to providing the best orthodontic care for children and ensuring they leave with healthier, more confident smiles. Call us today at (508) 850-0686 to set up an appointment!
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Alan Ko, DMD
Alan Ko, DMD, studied Biology at Washington University in St. Louis (BA Magna Cum Laude), Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania (DMD Magna Cum Laude, Dean’s Scholarship recipient, Louis I. Grossman Award in Endodontics, and Academy of General Dentistry Award Recipient), did his residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH)/Harvard Medical School (General Practice Residency and Clinical Instructor Massachusetts General Hospital), was a guest lecturer at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Massachusetts General Hospital (General Practice Residency). Dr. Ko’s clinical focuses are craniofacial development in children, sleep/airway dentistry, TMD and occlusion, regenerative oral surgery, and reconstructive restorative/prosthetic dentistry, including Invisalign and dental implants. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Massachusetts Dental Society and has been named as Boston’s Top Dentists since 2012.
Brittany Bressler, DMD
Brittany Bressler, DMD, attended the University of New Hampshire-Durham (magna cum laude, studying psychology and pre-dental studies). Then, she attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA (Doctorate in Dental Medicine). At Tufts, she was the Vice President of the local chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists. Dr. Bressler has been named one of Boston Magazine’s Top Dentists for the last four years.
Saeed Kashefi, DMD, FAGD
Saeed Kashefi, DMD, FAGD, attended Harvard University (Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Literature and Creative Writing, cum laude), the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (doctorate, cum laude: He also won the JR Schmidt Fixed Prosthodontics Award), and the BWH/ Harvard-Wide General Practice Residency Program in Hospital Dentistry (residency and fellowship). He stayed on the BWH staff before taking over as clinician attending at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where he served for 16 years. Dr. Kashefi was also the Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine during this time. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Hospital Dentists and Academy of General Dentistry.
Cristina Hantavis MS, CCC-SLP
Cristina Hantavis MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed and certified Speech and Language Pathologist with extensive training in orofacial myology. She believes that oral health is deeply connected to our general health and takes a holistic approach that targets the whole body by working with the muscles of the face and mouth. Cristina previously worked in private and elementary school settings with children experiencing moderate to severe cognitive, linguistic, and behavioral challenges. She uses this experience to help children facing such issues in her current role.
David Goodman, DMD (retired)
David Goodman, DMD (retired), joined our practice in 1984. Our office was founded in 1975 by Dr. Carl DiGregorio, and since partnering with him, Dr. Goodman has been devoted to delivering exceptional dental care to Milford families. Although he retired in 2021, our practice still carries his philosophy of treating patients as whole people beyond just their teeth.