Pediatric Orthodontics

Healthy Growth. Confident Smiles. Support from the Very Start.

At Anchor Orthodontics, we believe great smiles begin early. Pediatric orthodontics focuses on guiding healthy jaw growth, creating space for incoming teeth, and preventing more serious orthodontic issues down the road. By identifying concerns early and monitoring development, Dr. Lavigne helps children grow into strong, healthy, confident smiles.

What Is Pediatric Orthodontics?

Pediatric orthodontics includes evaluations and treatments for children typically between ages six and ten. This is when the jaws are still developing and early signs of crowding, spacing, or bite issues begin to appear. Early assessments allow us to monitor growth and intervene only when it will make a meaningful difference in your child’s long term orthodontic health.

Why Early Evaluations Matter

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check by age seven. That doesn’t mean every child needs treatment. It simply ensures that any developing issues are identified early while growth can still be guided.

Common reasons for early evaluations include:
• Crowded or spaced teeth
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Underbites
• Overbites
• Crossbites
• Narrow upper jaws
• Mouth breathing or airway concerns
• Habits such as thumb sucking

Benefits of Pediatric Orthodontics

Starting early can help:
• Guide jaw growth and facial development
• Create space for adult teeth to erupt correctly
• Reduce the need for future extractions
• Shorten total treatment time
• Improve breathing and oral function
• Prevent more invasive procedures later on

Not every child needs early treatment, but the ones who do benefit greatly from timely care.

What Early Treatment Might Look Like

Dr. Lavigne uses growth friendly, evidence based approaches that make treatment simple and effective. 

Depending on your child’s needs, care may involve:

• Palate expanders
• Space maintainers
• Growth guidance appliances
• Bite correction
• Habit intervention
• Short phases of braces or aligners in certain cases

Every treatment plan is individualized. We only recommend early treatment when it truly provides long term benefits.

Why Parents Trust Anchor Orthodontics

Dr. Lavigne is known throughout New England for her thoughtful, patient centered approach. With extensive training in early intervention and airway evaluation, she looks at the full picture of your child’s growth and development. Families from Wakefield, Providence, and beyond choose Anchor Orthodontics because our recommendations are always conservative, honest, and tailored.

Give your child the best foundation for a healthy smile.