Orthodontics, Explained: A Guide for Rhode Island Parents

Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment: What It Is and Which Kids Actually Need It

Two-phase treatment means an early first phase around age 7 to 10, then braces or aligners later. Which kids actually need it, what it fixes, and what an honest evaluation looks like. No referral needed. Anchor Orthodontics, Providence & Wakefield RI.

Do You Need a Referral to See an Orthodontist? No. Here's How It Works

You can bring your child to an orthodontist any time, no referral required. Dr. Courtney Lavigne explains how referrals actually work, why practices differ more than parents realize, and why second opinions are always welcome.

My Child Lost a Baby Molar Early. Now What?

When a baby molar comes out early, the surrounding teeth can start shifting within weeks. Dr. Courtney Lavigne explains why a simple space maintainer now can prevent years of complex treatment later.

ADHD Symptoms or a Sleep Problem? What to Rule Out First

Poor sleep from airway and breathing issues can produce the same daytime symptoms as ADHD: trouble focusing, hyperactivity, and emotional outbursts. Dr. Courtney Lavigne explains why a sleep and airway check belongs in the conversation.

Why Does My Child Wake Up Tired? Restless Sleep and the Airway

A full night's sleep that never seems to help, covers kicked off, head cranked back, constant tossing. Dr. Courtney Lavigne explains what restless sleep can reveal about your child's airway, and when it's worth getting checked.

Bedwetting in Older Kids: When It's Not a Behavior Problem

Bedwetting past age 5 is one of the most overlooked signs of a pediatric airway issue. Dr. Courtney Lavigne explains the connection between restricted breathing during sleep and nighttime accidents, and what an airway evaluation can reveal.

Does Your Child Really Need Teeth Pulled for Braces? Why to Get a Second Opinion

Tooth extraction has been the standard answer to crowding for decades, but it is not the only answer. Dr. Courtney Lavigne explains how developing the jaws can create space while protecting your child's face, profile, and airway, and why a second opinion is always worth it.

Palate Expanders for Kids in Wakefield, RI: A South County Guide

What a palate expander really is, the signs your child might need one, and why widening a growing child's jaw can help with crowding and breathing. For South County families in Wakefield, South Kingstown, and Narragansett.

Kids Braces and Invisalign in Wakefield, RI

Braces or Invisalign for your child? How we decide at our Wakefield office, what each option does best, and what treatment actually costs for South County families in South Kingstown, Narragansett, and Charlestown.

Early Intervention and Airway Orthodontics for South County Kids

Dr. Lavigne on why early intervention is about the jaw and airway, not just straight teeth, and the growth windows South County parents do not want to miss.

Pediatric Orthodontist in South Kingstown and Narragansett, RI

Is it too early, or did we wait too long? A pediatric orthodontist's guide for South Kingstown and Narragansett parents, including the age seven guideline and what we watch for as kids grow.

Orthodontist in Wakefield, RI: A South County Family Guide

A South County parent's guide to choosing an orthodontist in Wakefield, RI. Meet the doctors, see what makes the approach different, and learn when to bring your child in. Serving Wakefield, South Kingstown, Narragansett, Kingston, North Kingstown, and Westerly.

How Much Do Braces Cost in Rhode Island? A Parent's Guide

Wondering how much braces cost in Rhode Island? Honest market ranges for kids braces, Invisalign, and Phase 1 treatment, plus what parents should know before choosing an orthodontist in Providence or Wakefield.

Invisalign for Kids in Providence and Wakefield, RI

Wondering if Invisalign is right for your child? Dr. Courtney Lavigne explains how clear aligners actually work, when they make sense for kids, and what parents in Providence and Wakefield, RI need to know before starting treatment.

How Long Do Braces Take for Kids? A Providence Orthodontist Explains

12 months? 18 months? 2 years? Here's what actually determines how long your child's orthodontic treatment takes — and how to make it shorter.

What Is a Crossbite in Kids? Causes, Risks, and When to Fix It

A crossbite means your child's teeth do not line up the way they should. Why it matters for the jaw and airway, and why fixing it early is far simpler. First check by age 7. No referral needed. Anchor Orthodontics, Providence & Wakefield RI.

My Child Is Mouth Breathing. Should I See an Orthodontist?

Your child breathes through their mouth — day, night, or both. Here's what that actually means, why it matters for jaw development, and when to see an orthodontist.

Braces vs. Invisalign for Kids: What's Actually Right for Your Child?

Every parent asks this question. The honest answer is: it depends on your child — not on what's trendy. Here's how Dr. Lavigne thinks about it.

Does My Child Need a Palate Expander? A Providence Orthodontist Explains

Your child's dentist mentioned a palate expander — but what does that actually mean? Dr. Lavigne breaks down exactly how expanders work, who needs one, and why earlier is almost always better.

How to Find the Right Kids' Orthodontist in Providence, RI

Not all orthodontic practices are the same. Here's what Providence parents should actually look for when choosing an orthodontist for their child — and why it matters more than you might think.

Phase 1 Orthodontics: What Providence Parents Need to Know

If your child's dentist mentioned Phase 1 orthodontics, here's what it means, when to start, and why early treatment at our Providence office can make all the difference.

Pediatric Orthodontist in Providence, RI: What Providence Parents Need to Know

Looking for a pediatric orthodontist in Providence, RI? Here's what to look for, what to expect at a first visit, and why East Side families choose Anchor Orthodontics.

Anchor Orthodontics Wakefield Now Has iCAT CBCT 3D Imaging

Our iCAT Cone Beam CT (CBCT) 3D imaging scanner has arrived at our Wakefield, Rhode Island office. Learn what CBCT technology means for your orthodontic care and why we chose the lowest-radiation option available.

Orthodontist in Providence, RI — What to Look For and What to Expect

Looking for an orthodontist in Providence, RI? Here's what to look for, what to expect at a first visit, and why families across the East Side choose Anchor Orthodontics.

What Is Airway Orthodontics? Signs Your Child May Need More Than Straight Teeth

Airway orthodontics looks beyond straight teeth to how your child breathes, sleeps, and grows. Learn the signs, from snoring to teeth grinding, and how treatment at Anchor Orthodontics can help Rhode Island families.

When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist? A Providence Parent's Guide

Most parents wait too long. Here's the window Dr. Lavigne and Dr. Cardarelli watch for — and why catching certain problems at age 7 changes everything.