a young girl smiling

Preventive Orthodontics

Set Your Child Up For Success

Protect Growing Smiles with Preventive Orthodontics in Belmont

The best time to correct orthodontic problems is before they fully develop. Preventive orthodontics in Belmont focuses on early detection and strategic intervention. Our in-house specialist can address issues like misaligned teeth, overcrowding, or prematurely lost baby teeth before they create bigger challenges.

As a result, you can expect shorter future treatment times, lower costs, and the possibility of avoiding future orthodontics altogether. Using targeted solutions, we guide natural growth in a way that supports lifelong alignment. It's not just about avoiding treatments like braces. It's about creating a healthier foundation for your child's smile. Schedule a consultation today.

a group of people posing for a photo
a group of people posing for a photo

Support Lasting Development

Preventive orthodontic treatments work with your child's natural development, not against it. These early interventions:

  • Guide Jaw Development - Options like the Herbst appliance help gently reposition the lower jaw. The appliance will support better facial balance and bite alignment.
  • Preserve Space - Space maintainers hold the place of baby teeth that fall out too early. They prevent overcrowding and misalignment of emerging adult teeth.
  • Shorten Future Treatments - Addressing issues now can reduce your child's future orthodontic treatment time, or even eliminate the need for it.
  • Improve Airway Support - Early jaw guidance can contribute to better breathing and sleep patterns. This happens as a result of expanding space in the airway.
a couple of girls smiling
a couple of girls smiling

Encourage Natural Growth

Our in-house orthodontist will explore our many preventive solutions. They will gently guide development and reduce the need for more extensive treatment later. Your options include:

  • Space Maintainers - If a baby tooth falls out too soon, a space maintainer preserves the space until the permanent tooth erupts. It prevents teeth from shifting out of place.
  • Herbst Appliances - This fixed appliance is used in children with an underdeveloped lower jaw. It gently encourages forward jaw growth over several months.

Early orthodontic care can make a big difference in your child's future dental health. It all starts with a simple evaluation. Schedule a consultation for preventive orthodontics in Belmont.

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

Belmont Dental is the best! For over 25 years our entire family has been provided the best of care in MANY different ways. From routine cleanings/exams, crowns, implants, and gum care to aligners and whitening. Belmont Dental has done it all with superb results.

Bruce P.

So far the experiences here have been top notch. The team is very professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I'm super happy that I finally found a great Dentist!

Hans T.

I highly recommend this dental practice. Belmont Dental Group is well run, exceedingly professional and offers excellent care. I’ve been a patient of Dr.Lapidus for several years. He is kind, thorough, skilled, and clearly suited to this work.

Dana A.

I have been a patient at Belmont Dental for over twenty years. Even though I now live twenty miles away, I still come here. Why? It’s a great dentistry with fantastic practitioners . It provides multiple areas of dental expertise that are tops.

Mary R.

I was a new patient to the practice who had lost a crown and needed a replacement. I was amazed to have an initial visit with Dr. Langton within just a few days and the crown replaced at a second visit just a few days later. The entire staff was friendly, courteous, professional, and helpful,... I was a new patient to the practice who had lost a crown and needed a replacement. I was amazed to have an initial visit with Dr. Langton within just a few days and the crown replaced at a second visit just a few days later. The entire staff was friendly, courteous, professional, and helpful, and Dr. Langton both clearly explained his plan and took the time to answer any questions I had. The office has some evening and Saturday hours, a terrific help for working patients. It's also easy to set up appointments for a routine cleaning on line. All in all, an exceptional experience.

John P.

This is a well-run practice. Dr. Lakkis is very kind and gentle- and I'm an anxious patient! Makes the whole experience a little easier.

Anne T.

25+ year patient here. Great visit as always. Dr Lapidus is the best dentist I've ever had (and I'm 64). Lexi is an excellent and caring hygenist who helps put patients at ease.

John W.

I am so glad that I found Belmont Dental Group. My insurance changed and they are one of the only offices in the area that takes my new insurance. I made an appointment and immediately felt I was better taken care of than at my former dental practice. Now my whole family goes to see Dr. Lapidus.

Juliet W.

I receive extraordinary care at Belmont Dental. Dr. Lapidus and Dr. Pourati are very dedicated to their patients and regularly demonstrate their expertise in their specialties. Their strong collaboration provides for a truly seamless patient experience. Their follow-up care is outstanding,... I receive extraordinary care at Belmont Dental. Dr. Lapidus and Dr. Pourati are very dedicated to their patients and regularly demonstrate their expertise in their specialties. Their strong collaboration provides for a truly seamless patient experience. Their follow-up care is outstanding, making each patient a priority. I am extremely grateful to have worked with Sandy during my dental treatments. Her knowledge, skills, compassion, and ability to answer patient questions are excellent! She is welcoming, friendly, and eases my worries about any dental procedure. She is always positive and makes anyone with dental anxiety more comfortable. I am thankful for Sandy’s top-notch care!

Caitlin L.

It was a first to come over Belmont Dental Group for second opinion about necessary dental procedures for root canal surgery and I wish I could find it earlier. Dr. Yoon listened to my oral history and problem carefully and explained what options I have. I decided to take his evaluation because... It was a first to come over Belmont Dental Group for second opinion about necessary dental procedures for root canal surgery and I wish I could find it earlier. Dr. Yoon listened to my oral history and problem carefully and explained what options I have. I decided to take his evaluation because it makes sense for me. I appreciate his honesty and professional attitude! People working here are also kind and respectful so Highly recommend!

Maruhashi S.

Common Questions About
Preventive Orthodontics

Can preventive orthodontics eliminate the need for braces later?

In some cases, yes. Early intervention can prevent major misalignment and help permanent teeth erupt into better positions. Even if braces are still needed, preventive treatment can reduce their duration and complexity. Think of it as creating a healthier foundation for future care. It's not always about avoiding braces. It's about setting your child up for easier, more effective treatment if it's needed later.

How do I know if my child needs a space maintainer?

If your child loses a baby tooth too early, due to decay or injury, it's important to assess whether a space maintainer is needed. These appliances prevent surrounding teeth from drifting, which can cause problems when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. During your child's visit, we'll examine the area and determine if spacing needs to be preserved for proper alignment.

Is the Herbst appliance uncomfortable or difficult to live with?

Most children adjust within a few days. The Herbst appliance doesn't require removal and doesn't rely on patient compliance, which makes it easy for kids and low-stress for parents. There may be mild soreness or a brief adjustment period, especially when chewing or speaking, but this fades quickly. We'll provide care tips and check progress regularly to ensure your child stays comfortable throughout the process.