Kids Orthodontist in Jacksonville Beach
Giving kids the confidence of a beautiful smile starts with expert, compassionate orthodontic care at Lazzara Orthodontics. Our specialized pediatric treatments are designed to make children feel comfortable and excited about their orthodontic journey. Trust our experienced team to provide gentle, personalized care that helps your child’s smile shine bright.
When choosing orthodontic care for your child, early intervention makes the difference between simple adjustments and complex treatments later. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests children see an orthodontist by age 7, when emerging adult teeth reveal potential alignment issues and jaw development patterns that trained orthodontists can identify and address effectively.
At Lazzara Orthodontics, we create a welcoming environment where children feel excited about their orthodontic journey. Dr. John Lazzara and Dr. Amy Poblenz bring over two decades of combined experience and 2-3 years of additional specialized orthodontic training beyond dental school to every young patient. Our team provides personalized care addressing each child’s unique needs while making the experience positive and fun.
When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by the time they are seven for several important reasons. At this age, children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to identify potential problems early. Jaw growth is still occurring, making certain treatments more effective when started at the optimal time.
Physical signs may indicate your child could benefit from early orthodontic care:
- Crowded or misaligned teeth affecting proper cleaning
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting food properly
- Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when biting
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, or appear asymmetrical
Behavioral indicators also warrant attention. Thumb or finger sucking beyond age five can impact tooth alignment and jaw development. Speech difficulties, biting the cheek or roof of the mouth, and facial asymmetry may signal orthodontic issues requiring professional evaluation.
Treatment Options for Young Patients
Modern orthodontic treatments offer numerous options allowing us to customize care to each child’s specific needs and lifestyle. Traditional braces remain highly effective for complex cases, while ceramic braces provide a more discreet option for image-conscious pre-teens.
For suitable candidates, clear aligners like Invisalign and Clarity aligners offer a virtually invisible solution children can remove for eating and special occasions. These aligners are worn 18-20 hours per day for optimal results.
Early Intervention Treatments
Early interceptive treatment may include palatal expanders to create space for emerging teeth, partial braces to correct specific issues, or space maintainers to preserve room for adult teeth. These interventions work with your child’s natural growth to promote proper development. We thoroughly explain each treatment option, including expected duration, care requirements, and how it addresses your child’s specific needs.
Trust your smile to our team with years of advanced orthodontic training.
Making Orthodontics Positive for Children
Creating a positive orthodontic experience helps children develop good oral habits lasting a lifetime. Our Jacksonville Beach office features a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed to put young patients at ease. We use age-appropriate language to explain procedures, ensuring children understand their treatment and feel involved in the process.
We celebrate milestones throughout treatment with our reward system, recognizing good oral hygiene, appointment attendance, and treatment progress. Our team takes time to teach proper brushing and flossing techniques for braces or aligners, making oral care feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic intervention offers advantages extending far beyond straight teeth. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing cavities and gum disease throughout life. Correcting bite issues early can prevent excessive wear on teeth, jaw joint problems, and the need for more extensive treatment during teenage years.
Children who receive timely orthodontic care often experience improved self-esteem and confidence, especially during critical middle school and high school years. Addressing speech impediments caused by dental issues can enhance communication skills and social interactions. Early treatment sets the foundation for optimal oral health and function benefiting your child well into adulthood.
Choose Lazzara Orthodontics for Your Child's Smile
When selecting a pediatric orthodontist in Jacksonville Beach, experience matters. Dr. Lazzara earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at LSU School of Dentistry in 1996, then completed a 30-month residency program at the Center for Advanced Dental Education at St. Louis University, earning his Master of Science degree in orthodontics. Dr. Amy Poblenz brings comprehensive orthodontic knowledge and a gentle, patient-centered approach to every young patient.
Our practice stands out through our commitment to personalized care and transparent communication. We believe parents should understand every aspect of their child’s treatment, from initial diagnosis through retention. Both doctors maintain active memberships in the American Association of Orthodontists, staying current with the latest techniques and technologies. With convenient scheduling options and virtual consultations available, we make orthodontic care accessible for busy families throughout Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. To learn more about how early orthodontic treatment benefits your child, contact our Jacksonville Beach office today.
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- Dr. John Lazzara
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- Dr. Amy Bouvier Poblenz
We’re conveniently located in Jacksonville Beach, FL, at 436 Jacksonville Drive, just minutes from the ocean. Enjoy our modern, comfortable office with ample parking available, and easy access from throughout Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Neptune Beach for a stress-free orthodontic visit.
- (904) 270-8750
- 436 Jacksonville Dr, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
- Monday–Thursday: 8 AM–5 PM, Friday: 9 AM–1PM
FAQs
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if teeth appear straight. At this age, Beaches Braces can detect developing problems while facial bones are still growing and baby teeth are present. Early evaluation doesn’t mean immediate treatment—only 10-15% of 7-year-olds need intervention. We monitor most children through complimentary growth checks every 6-12 months until the optimal treatment time. Early detection at our Jacksonville Beach office allows us to prevent serious problems, potentially avoiding tooth extractions, surgery, or lengthy treatments later. Schedule your child’s free consultation to ensure their smile develops properly.
Watch for these indicators that your child may benefit from early orthodontic care: difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking past age 5, crowded or misplaced teeth, jaws that shift or make sounds, and teeth that don’t meet properly when biting. At Beaches Braces, we also treat children who lose baby teeth too early or late, have speech difficulties, or bite their cheeks frequently. Protruding front teeth that increase injury risk need prompt attention. Our Jacksonville Beach pediatric orthodontic team specializes in interceptive treatment that guides jaw growth and creates space for permanent teeth, often preventing more complex issues during adolescence.
Phase 1 treatment at Beaches Braces typically lasts 9-18 months, focusing on specific developmental issues rather than comprehensive alignment. This early intervention addresses problems like crossbites, severe crowding, or jaw discrepancies while your child is growing rapidly between ages 7-10. After Phase 1, we provide retainers and monitor development during a “resting period” until all permanent teeth emerge. Most children then need Phase 2 treatment (full braces or aligners) around age 12-14 for 12-24 months. While two-phase treatment sounds lengthy, the total treatment time is often shorter than waiting until all problems compound in the teenage years.
