How can we help you?
Dr. Bret and our team have many years of experience in offering professional and friendly pediatric dental care to children of all ages. We know that parents often have many questions regarding their child’s dental care, and our goal is to make sure that your family feels comfortable and informed about any decision that you need to make. We want you to know that we are always available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have about your child’s teeth and mouth.
Please let us know if you have any concerns. There are no silly questions, and we want you to feel comfortable coming to us with even the smallest of worries. We know that welcoming our pediatric dental practice into your family is a big decision, and we want you to feel secure in knowing that you have chosen the right pediatric dentist for your child.
Children's Orthodontics
By the time your child is seven years old, we recommend you start thinking about straightening their teeth. Dr. Bret Jerger is highly skilled in aligning your child's teeth with years of experience and knowledge.
Children's Braces in Decatur, IL
It's best to bring your child in for an examination with our children's dentist so we can determine the severity of the misalignment or overcrowding.
Generally, we start children's orthodontic treatment in Decatur, IL, once a child has lost most of their baby teeth and has had most of their permanent teeth grow in. This typically happens between the ages of eight and fourteen.
Starting treatment at this time allows us to practice interceptive actions, guiding incoming or developing teeth. This proactive approach can lead to a more comfortable second phase of treatment and reduce overall treatment times, providing reassurance to parents.
The interceptive approach allows us to treat your child at a younger age, while they still have most of their baby teeth. Once their adult teeth have emerged, then we can start the second phase of the treatment with braces. Intercepting can make the second phase more comfortable and cut down on treatment times.
Schedule A Consultation with Our Orthodontist
Dr. Jerger, with his expertise, will be able to determine the best course of action for your child after examining and evaluating their current oral state. This consultation is an important step in keeping parents informed and involved in their child's treatment plan.
The best way to determine a treatment plan is through an examination. Contact Jerger Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with your Decatur, IL, dentist.
Starting as soon as their first baby tooth appears, Dr. Jerger and his team will begin to monitor your child’s oral development and watch for signs that they may need braces. At this early stage, our priority is to keep baby teeth healthy and intact until they’re ready to fall out on their own.
When will my child lose their baby teeth?
If your child loses a baby tooth too soon because of tooth decay, there may not be enough room for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. The early loss of a baby tooth can cause permanent teeth to come in crooked or at odd angles that will eventually require braces to correct.
Around age six, most children get their first molar. The positioning of this tooth tells Dr. Jerger a lot about how other permanent teeth will erupt. That is why we recommend an evaluation for children’s orthodontics in Decatur around age seven. Even if your child doesn’t need braces at this age, we can take steps to make sure there’s enough space in their jaw for permanent teeth to erupt correctly.
Book an appointment at Jerger Pediatric Dentistry in Decatur, IL
If we find that your child does need braces, you can trust Dr. Jerger and his team to guide you and explain everything you need to know about the process. Please call Jerger Pediatric Dentistry today, and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment to meet with you and your child.
If your child needs orthodontic treatment, they can receive it right here at our Decatur, IL pediatric dentistry office!
We believe it is easier to receive all of your dental and orthodontic treatment under one convenient roof, which is why Dr. Bret works hard to provide our patients with choices to fit everyone’s budget and needs.
Children's Orthodontics in Decatur, IL
We offer both traditional braces as well as an Invisalign treatment program designed specifically for teens. We are also able to place orthodontic appliances such as spacers to help prepare your child or teen’s mouth to receive braces.
Traditional braces and Invisalign are often recognized only for the beautiful, straight smiles they help create. While cosmetic appearance is a huge benefit of orthodontia, there are actually many health benefits to straightening your child’s smile. Overcrowded mouths full of misaligned and crooked teeth are very hard to clean thoroughly, which leaves the teeth vulnerable to decay and even infection over time. Orthodontic treatments solve two problems at once, improving both the appearance and health of your child’s mouth.
Personalized Orthodontics For Your Child
Whatever your child’s orthodontic needs are, we can help! If you would like to discuss your treatment options further, our Decatur, IL pediatric dentist Dr. Bret would be happy to speak with you! Call us at Jerger Pediatric Dentistry to get started.
It's natural to feel concerned that your child might develop crooked teeth. Many children form crowded or overlapping teeth, which is why it's essential to know why teeth become crooked.
Generally, genetics plays the most significant role in determining if your child will have straight teeth. Decatur, IL patients with straight teeth have enough room in their upper and lower jaws to comfortable fit teeth as they grow in.
It's also crucial that teeth emerge in the spot dedicated to them. Baby teeth that fall out prematurely can impact how their adult teeth grow in. Once most of a child's baby teeth have fallen out, they can begin treatment for braces in Decatur, IL if needed.
Ways to Help Your Child Have Straight Teeth
- By fixing bad habits like sucking on a pacifier or sucking your thumb sucking, you can prevent misaligning teeth. After the age of two, it's good to start addressing these habits before they become unhealthy. We should also identify and avoid reverse swallowing, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting
- Cavities and tooth decay can create longterm adverse effects on your oral health and can lead to crooked or overcrowded teeth. Extensive tooth decay can also lead to premature tooth loss which can affect neighboring teeth
- Routine dental exams and cleanings with Dr. Jerger will allow us to monitor your baby's teeth and how they grow in. We will also be able to identify tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease right as they start
Contact Our Dentist in Decatur, IL for More Information
If you have additional questions or think it's time for your child to see Dr. Jerger, we invite you to give us a call to schedule an appointment with Jerger Pediatric Dentistry.
At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, we believe baby teeth lay the foundation in your child’s mouth that welcomes their permanent teeth later. From the time your child’s first tooth erupts, he or she must learn proper dental hygiene. When children learn how to clean and care for their mouths properly, it translates to a lifetime of happy smiles and healthy teeth.
Our Dental Team Can Help Keep Your Child's Oral Health On Track
Your child’s baby teeth affect how their permanent teeth grow and develop, and failure to care for your child’s baby teeth can cause damage or decay, which could mean unnecessary time spent with your children's dentist in Decatur, IL.
Bottles, pacifiers, and thumb-sucking can also cause damage and changes in children’s mouths, so it is important to discuss any of these concerns with your children's dentist in Decatur, IL. We can help you make sure that your child’s baby teeth are working the way they are supposed to work.
We Can't Wait to Help Treat Your Child
When looking for a dentist near me, it's important to find someone that offers comprehensive pediatric dental care with a gentle and compassionate touch. Our friendly dental staff works hard to make every dental visit as welcoming and friendly as possible.
We help parents navigate their child's oral health to complement professional dental cleanings in Decatur, IL. This helps set the stage for a successful dental future.