Family-first Orthodontic Care
Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists offers top-quality orthodontic solutions for kids, teens, and adults.
Orthodontics for Kids
Per the American Association of Orthodontists, your kids should have an orthodontic screening by age seven. This allows Dr. Darren, Dr. Alex, Dr. Courtney, and Dr. Jacob to determine:
- Whether your child needs orthodontic treatment
- The best time to treat them
What Difference Does Early Intervention Make?
The earlier our team can spot any oral health issues, the more time we’ll have to better treat your kiddo and set their smile up for success.
If your child does need early treatment — you may hear us say “Phase 1 treatment” — our doctors can give your child’s smile a solid foundation.
By moving emerging teeth into healthier positions, our doctors make space for your child’s permanent teeth. And, early intervention prevents any protruding front teeth from fracturing. Getting started early keeps small problems from turning into bigger ones in the future.
We can also:
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- Create space for permanent teeth
- Correct bite issues, such as underbite, overbite, or crossbite
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Correct thumb sucking
- Eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
Phase 2 Treatment
Even after early treatment, your little one may still need braces or aligners later. If so, we refer to that as “Phase 2 treatment. “
Our doctors can more easily and efficiently fix certain kinds of orthodontic issues during the adolescent and teen years. Why? Because by this point their permanent teeth have usually come in.
For some kids, early intervention makes Phase 2 treatment easier. How? It corrects jaw and bite problems early.
Orthodontics for Teens
Adolescence is the most common time for orthodontic treatment in St. Louis. Most teens have permanent teeth in place at this age. Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists offers advanced solutions to make your teen’s treatment process faster, easier, and more comfortable.
Simpler Treatments for Teens
Sometimes, teenagers have issues with crowding, spacing, and bite alignment. That’s why we encourage parents like you to get your teens started on treatment. Seeking orthodontic care now prevents future oral health problems.
Does your teen play sports or music? How about extracurricular activities? Our treatments will fit neatly into their lives.
Spotting a Bad Bite
How can you tell if your teen needs treatment? Look for symptoms like:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Missing or extra teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Incorrect jaw position
- Jaw joint disorders
Ignoring orthodontic issues can negatively affect your teen's overall oral health. At Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists, your teenager can keep up their active lifestyle while receiving the orthodontic care they deserve.
Adult Orthodontics
We haven’t forgotten the grown-ups out there! If you couldn’t make it to the orthodontist as a kid, now is the right time.
It’s never too late to give yourself the smile you’ve been waiting for. So if you’re an adult in St. Louis, schedule a free consultation with us right away.
Smart Smiles for Your Lifestyle
Healthy teeth can be realigned, no matter how old you are. Our treatments will even move grown-up teeth. Orthodontic interventions will produce the same results for adults and kids alike. Our team are board-certified experts that treat patients of all ages.
During your treatment, you can keep up your responsibilities—work, going to the gym, having fun with your family, and dining out. Most of our adult patients adjust quickly to treatment.
New techniques and materials have made modern braces more comfortable and easy to deal with. During your consultation, our team will figure out the best treatment for you.
Your Health Matters (No Matter Your Age)
Orthodontic treatment gives you more than an amazing new smile, and it also sets you up for lifelong oral health. Not fixing orthodontic problems can lead to health issues at any age. Plus, it doesn’t just involve your mouth!
Misaligned teeth can result in improper chewing, poor digestion, and malnourishment. Incorrect alignment makes brushing and flossing harder your teeth harder. Worse still, having consistently unclean teeth increases your risk for cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
For children and teens, timely orthodontic care shapes jaw growth, corrects harmful habits, and improves dental function. Adults benefit by preventing bone loss, enhancing oral health, and boosting confidence.
Don’t let misalignment issues impact your family’s oral health. Whether for children or adults, orthodontic health is crucial for overall well-being.
Schedule Your Free Consult
Schedule your free consultation with Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists today and give everyone in your family something to smile about.