Children Orthodontics Denver, CO

Early Orthodontic Treatment: When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?

At Helm Orthodontics in Denver, we understand that a child’s smile is precious. Many parents wonder when the right time is to bring their child in for an orthodontic evaluation. Following the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation, we encourage parents to schedule their child’s first orthodontic visit by age seven. Why so early? By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, making it the perfect time to detect developing orthodontic issues.

Dr. Nathan Helm takes a simple, conservative approach to early orthodontic treatment. Unlike some practices that recommend early intervention for every child, Dr. Helm believes in personalized care. He carefully evaluates each young patient to determine if early treatment would be beneficial. This honest approach has made Dr. Helm the trusted choice for children’s orthodontics in Denver and surrounding areas since 2010.

Early detection offers parents peace of mind. At Helm Orthodontics, we can identify potential problems before they become more serious, potentially saving your child from more extensive treatment later on. Our friendly team creates a welcoming environment where children feel comfortable and parents feel informed every step of the way.

When Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Necessary for Your Child?

Dr. Helm recommends early orthodontic intervention in specific situations where waiting could lead to more significant issues. Your child might benefit from early treatment if their bite is causing permanent damage to teeth or gum tissue. This includes issues like severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites that are affecting oral health or function.

Space management is another important reason for early treatment. If your child’s jaw doesn’t have enough room for permanent teeth to erupt properly, early intervention can help guide jaw growth and create the necessary space. This proactive approach can prevent crowding, impacted teeth, or the need for extractions in the future.

The psychological impact of orthodontic issues shouldn’t be overlooked. Dr. Helm may recommend early treatment when improvements to your child’s smile could benefit their self-esteem and social development. Children can be sensitive about their appearance, and addressing noticeable orthodontic issues early can help them feel more confident during these formative years.

The Helm Ortho Kids Club: Monitoring Your Child’s Development

For children who don’t need immediate orthodontic treatment, we offer a special program: the Helm Ortho Kids Club. This complimentary monitoring program allows Dr. Helm to keep track of your child’s jaw growth and dental development through regular check-up appointments. These visits are completely free and provide valuable insights into your child’s changing orthodontic needs.

During these check-ups, Dr. Helm examines how your child’s permanent teeth are coming in and how their jaw is developing. He can spot potential issues early and recommend treatment at the optimal time. Parents appreciate knowing their child’s orthodontic development is being monitored by a board-certified specialist without any financial commitment.

The Kids Club creates a positive introduction to orthodontic care, helping children feel comfortable in our office. Many parents tell us these regular visits make the transition to actual treatment, if needed later, much smoother. Your child will already be familiar with our team and office environment, reducing any anxiety about orthodontic care.

Why Choose Board-Certified Orthodontist Dr. Nathan Helm for Your Child’s Care?

When it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment, expertise matters. Dr. Nathan Helm is a board-certified orthodontist—a distinction held by less than 50% of practicing orthodontists in the United States. He completed a three-year orthodontic residency beyond dental school and then voluntarily underwent the rigorous certification process with the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Helm is the only private-practice, board-certified orthodontist serving Green Valley Ranch, Northeast Denver, Northeast Aurora, and many surrounding communities. His exceptional work has been recognized by local dentists, who have selected him as a “Top Orthodontist” in 5280 Magazine every year since 2013. These dentists trust Dr. Helm with their patients, employees, and even their own family members.

Parents consistently praise Dr. Helm’s ability to connect with children and teens. His experience as a father of three helps him understand the unique needs and concerns of young patients. Dr. Helm takes time to explain treatment options in age-appropriate ways and involves children in their care, helping them feel empowered in the process.

Our Approach to Children’s Orthodontic Treatment Options

At Helm Orthodontics, we offer various treatment options tailored to children’s specific needs. Traditional metal braces remain a popular and effective choice for kids. Today’s metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. Many children enjoy personalizing their braces with colorful elastic bands that can be changed at each appointment.

For a more discreet option, we also offer clear braces that work just like metal braces but blend in better with your child’s natural tooth color. These are particularly popular with older children and teens who may be more conscious about their appearance during treatment.

For children who need help with jaw growth and alignment, we may recommend specialized orthodontic appliances. These might include expanders to widen the palate, space maintainers to preserve room for permanent teeth, or other devices designed to guide proper jaw development. Dr. Helm will thoroughly explain how any recommended appliance works and what results you can expect.

Making Orthodontic Treatment Affordable for Denver Families

We believe financial concerns should never prevent your child from receiving necessary orthodontic care. Our team works with families from all walks of life to create customized payment plans that fit various budgets. We’ll explain all costs upfront—no surprises or hidden fees.

Helm Orthodontics is in-network with most major insurance providers, helping you maximize your orthodontic benefits. During your child’s consultation, our benefits coordinator will review your insurance coverage and explain how we can help you make the most of your benefits. For families without orthodontic insurance, we offer our special “Reasons To Smile Program” with flexible payment options.

Our fees are all-inclusive, covering everything needed from start to finish. This includes all appointments, adjustments, emergency visits, and even retainers. We won’t add unexpected charges for records or retainers at the end of treatment like some practices do. This transparent approach to pricing gives parents peace of mind about the investment in their child’s smile.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit in Denver

Your child’s first visit to Helm Orthodontics is complimentary and designed to be a positive experience. During this initial consultation, Dr. Helm will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, jaw, and facial structure. We may take digital X-rays and photos to help with diagnosis and treatment planning.

Dr. Helm will discuss his findings with you in clear, easy-to-understand language. If treatment is recommended, he’ll explain the options, timeline, and expected results. If treatment isn’t needed right away, he’ll invite your child to join the Helm Ortho Kids Club for regular monitoring at no cost.

We encourage parents to ask questions during this visit. Common questions include how long treatment might take, whether it will be uncomfortable for your child, how it might affect activities like sports or playing musical instruments, and how to maintain good oral hygiene with orthodontic appliances. Our team is committed to ensuring you have all the information you need to make the best decisions for your child’s orthodontic care.

Schedule Your Child’s Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation Today

We invite you to discover the Helm Orthodontics difference for your child. Our modern office in Denver combines advanced technology with old-fashioned personal care to create an exceptional experience for young patients and their families. We offer convenient appointment times, including before and after school hours, to minimize disruption to your family’s busy schedule.

Taking the first step toward your child’s healthy, beautiful smile is easy. Contact our Denver office to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Nathan Helm. He’ll evaluate your child’s specific needs and discuss whether early orthodontic treatment would be beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Orthodontics

What signs indicate my child might need orthodontic treatment?

Look for early warning signs such as difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking beyond age 5, crowded or misplaced teeth, jaws that shift or make sounds, teeth that don’t meet normally, or facial imbalance. Speech difficulties can also indicate orthodontic issues. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Helm.

Will early orthodontic treatment prevent the need for braces later?

Early orthodontic treatment (Phase 1) addresses specific problems and guides growth, but many children will still need a second phase of treatment (Phase 2) when all permanent teeth have erupted. However, early intervention often makes Phase 2 treatment shorter and less complicated. Dr. Helm will explain whether your child would benefit from a two-phase approach or if waiting for comprehensive treatment is better.

How do I help my child adjust to wearing braces?

The first few days with new braces can be uncomfortable. Provide soft foods, cold treats like ice cream or popsicles to soothe soreness, and over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Orthodontic wax can cover brackets that irritate cheeks. Encourage proper cleaning and following food restrictions. Most importantly, remind your child that this temporary adjustment period leads to a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

How should my child clean their teeth with braces?

Proper oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. Your child should brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. We recommend using special orthodontic brushes or floss threaders to clean between brackets and under wires. Water flossers can also be helpful. We’ll provide detailed instructions and tips to make cleaning easier for your child.

Can my child still play sports and musical instruments with braces?

Absolutely! Many young athletes and musicians successfully wear braces. For sports, we recommend wearing a properly fitted mouthguard to protect both the braces and teeth from impact. For wind instrument players, there may be a brief adjustment period, but most adapt quickly. The team at Helm Orthodontics can provide specific advice for your child’s activities.

📍 Visit Us: 4809 Argonne St. #240, Denver, CO 80249

📞 Call: 303.963.4409

📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today

Transform your child’s smile with the trusted experts at Helm Orthodontics, where we make children’s orthodontics in Denver a positive, comfortable experience for the whole family!