Jerger Pediatric Dentistry

Where Beautiful Smiles Begin

2101 North Main Street
Decatur, IL 62526

Jerger Pediatric Dentistry > Dental Care > Children's Orthodontics

It's never too early to plan for your child's future. If you have concerns about their teeth alignment, our children's orthodontist can help!

Family smiling after Childrens Orthodontics Decatur IL

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Children's Orthodontics in Decatur, IL

Welcome to Jerger Pediatric Dentistry in Decatur, IL where we focus on providing the best possible dental care to your young children and teenagers. We specialize in pediatric dentistry in Decatur, IL, helping even your littlest ones take care of their smiles. No matter your pediatric dental needs, we will be there!

Many parents of our pediatric patients often have questions about our children's orthodontics in Decatur, IL. Braces and other alignment treatments are a regular part of pediatric dentistry, and it’s never too early to start thinking about or preparing for the future.

Not every child will need orthodontic treatment, but if it does become necessary, it can be helpful to have their complete treatment done by their usual dentist. This helps them feel more confident and comfortable in the dental chair, and it prevents miscommunication between healthcare providers. As your Decatur, IL dentist, our goal is to be able to provide your family with the best dental and orthodontic care all under one roof.

We have a few different orthodontic options available at our dentist office, and we are always happy to discuss your child’s treatment options with you. You can read more about our orthodontics in Mt. Zion, IL below:

What is Invisalign Teen?
Why should I choose Invisalign Teen for my child?
What about traditional braces and other orthodontic appliances?
How do I schedule my child’s orthodontic appointment?

What is Invisalign Teen?

We are here to tell you that having a straight smile will matter for the rest of your child’s life. While parents often tend to think of orthodontic treatment as a cosmetic issue, the truth is that many orthodontic problems can lead to much more serious oral health concerns in the long run. In the short term, teeth that aren’t properly aligned are more difficult to keep clean, which makes your child more prone to cavities. This is why our dental office believes it is so important to offer orthodontics in Decatur, IL. Teens Hanging Out after Orthodontics session Decatur, IL

As times have changed, so have preferences for braces and orthodontic treatments. Because more options are available than ever before, even pediatric dental patients want to explore alternatives to traditional metal braces.

At our pediatric dental office, we offer Invisalign Teen as a substitute for traditional braces. What exactly is Invisalign Teen? Invisalign Teen uses a series of clear aligners that are custom made for your child’s mouth. This orthodontic treatment is similar to the standard Invisalign products, but it is designed specifically for teenagers. If your teen wants flexible treatment options for their orthodontics in Mt. Zion, IL, Invisalign Teen is worth considering.

The clear aligners in the Invisalign Teen treatment are simply removed and changed, usually about every two weeks, to gradually move teeth into their correct place. They can be used to treat under/overbites, overcrowding, and gaps between teeth as well. With Invisalign Teen, there are no eating restrictions or broken brackets to worry about, which means your teen will spend less time cleaning their braces and sitting in our dental office and more time being teenagers!

To learn more, you can contact our Decatur, IL dentist at (217) 875-3080.

Why should I choose Invisalign Teen in Decatur, IL?

Generally, the Invisalign Teen treatment is easier on your child than traditional metal braces. The Invisalign trays are known to cause less pain and discomfort than their traditional metal counterparts, and they also make cleaning and caring for teeth easier.

Traditional braces can irritate your child’s cheek, tongue, and gums. With Invisalign Teen, the clear-coated aligner just fits right over their teeth and can be removed when needed, although it is recommended that they stay in between 20 and 22 hours a day for them to be the most effective.

Instead of having their braces tightened every few weeks, your child just replaces their old aligner with a new one. With no brackets to get in the way, your child can brush and floss as they normally would, which helps them maintain better oral hygiene. The aligners themselves are easily cleaned as well. Many of our teenage dental patients enjoy the flexibility of these orthodontics in Mt. Zion, IL.

If your child plays an instrument or a sport, Invisalign Teen can help keep them doing what they love! There are also no food restrictions with Invisalign Teen! Consider some of the benefits of Invisalign Teen:

Less invasive and uncomfortable
Non-irritating
Clear, unnoticeable aligners
Safer for children in sports
Easy to clean
Great for playing musical instruments
Promotes good oral hygiene
Easy to maintain
Less time spent at Dr. Bret’s

What about traditional braces and other children's orthodontics?

Invisalign Teen is great, but it’s not designed to treat certain complex cases. Additionally, some families simply prefer traditional braces due to financial restrictions or the familiarity they have with the classic treatment. We do offer traditional braces at our office as well, and in some situations, these may be the more appropriate option. If your child needs orthodontics in Decatur, IL, the best way to find out which option is the best is to call our dental office and schedule a time to speak with Dr. Bret.

No matter which option we recommend, we’ll make sure that you and your child have a good experience and excellent results with our Decatur, IL dentist.

We also offer several different dental appliances to help treat certain issues (like thumbsucking) or to prepare your child’s mouth for orthodontic treatment. If we feel that your child could benefit from an appliance, we will discuss this option with you and let you know what to expect.

Spacers

Spacers are used to create space between your child’s teeth before braces are put on. This allows for better placement of the braces. The spacer, which looks like a small rubber band, is placed between the two teeth in question and stays in place for about two weeks or until enough space has been created for the braces to be put in.

Palatal Expander

Children hugging and smiling after Children's dentistry in Decatur, IL A palatal expander may be used if your child has an overcrowding or bite issue. This temporary expander is used before braces to create room in your child’s jaw and allow your child’s upper and lower teeth to fit together better. Once room is created, we can then place braces on your child’s teeth.

The field of pediatric orthodontics is continuously expanding as we continue to discover new information. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s pediatric orthodontics in Mt. Zion, IL, our caring dental team is always happy to speak with you. You may reach us at any time during our normal business hours, which are listed here.

Schedule An Appointment with Our Children's Orthodontist!

Once you are ready to move forward and have your child meet with Dr. Bret, our front dental office staff would be happy to schedule a dental appointment for you. There are two convenient ways to schedule your child’s orthodontic appointment: you can give our Decatur pediatric dental office a call at (217) 875-3080, or you can use our website’s contact form located here.

We have helped countless teens and pediatric dental patients achieve a straighter smile — and we know the confidence boost that comes with it! We look forward to helping your child discover the difference that orthodontics in Decatur and Mt. Zion, IL can make!

"Grateful Smile"

My appointment today was great. My braces came off, now I can smile and be myself again. The people at Dr.Jerger's are nice,happy, and friendly. Dr. Jerger is the best. Thank you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need braces?

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.

How do I best ensure straight teeth for my children?

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.

Why are baby teeth important?

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.

Does your office offer orthodontic treatments?

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.

At what age can my child get braces?

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.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Bret Jerger

I am a lifelong resident of Decatur, IL, and am committed to the health of children in my community. After completing my residency at Riley Children's Hospital, I began working with my father, who established Jerger Pediatric Dentistry in 1966. I have been practicing pediatric dentistry in Decatur since 1995. Together, we have provided care to Central Illinois for over 50 years.

I enjoy helping to create beautiful smiles for our young patients while getting to know them and watching them grow up. My biggest goal is to create a safe, ...

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