Orthodontic Screenings

In Richardson, TX

Catch orthodontic issues early for easier, faster treatment. Dr. Morgan provides comprehensive ortho screenings for children and teens in Richardson to identify problems before they become complicated.

Request An Appointment call (972) 231-7104

WHAT ARE ORTHODONTIC SCREENINGS?

An orthodontic screening is an evaluation to check how your child's teeth and jaws are developing. Dr. Morgan looks for crowding, spacing issues, bite problems, and jaw growth patterns that might need orthodontic treatment later.

Early screenings help identify problems while your child is still growing. Some issues are much easier to correct when caught early, before all the permanent teeth have come in. Dr. Morgan can guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth, which often makes later treatment shorter and simpler.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Morgan can spot developing problems even though most of the baby teeth are still in place.

WHO NEEDS ORTHODONTIC SCREENINGS?

All children should have an orthodontic screening around age 7, even if their teeth look straight. Some problems aren't visible to parents but can be detected by Dr. Morgan during an exam.

You should bring your child in sooner if you notice crowded or crooked teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking past age 5, early or late loss of baby teeth, or jaws that shift or make sounds when opening and closing.

Teens who didn't have early screening should also be evaluated. It's never too late to check for orthodontic issues, and modern treatment options like Invisalign make correction easier and less noticeable than ever.

THE benefits OF EARLY SCREENING

Orthodontic screenings at Ellem Dental give your child the best chance for a healthy, beautiful smile with minimal treatment.

Prevent Bigger Problems

Catching issues early often means simpler treatment later. Dr. Morgan can guide jaw growth and tooth development while your child is still growing, which prevents more serious problems from developing.

Shorter Treatment Time

When treatment is started at the right time, it's often faster and more effective. Creating space while baby teeth are still present can eliminate the need for tooth extractions later.

Boost Confidence Early

Addressing visible issues like protruding teeth or severe crowding can improve your child's self-esteem during important developmental years. Early intervention gives them a confident smile sooner.

Common Orthodontic Issues

During a screening at our Richardson office, Dr. Morgan evaluates several aspects of your child's dental and facial development.

Crowding

Not enough space for permanent teeth to come in straight. This can lead to crooked teeth and difficulty cleaning, which increases cavity risk.

Spacing Issues

Gaps between teeth or excessive spacing that might not close on its own. Sometimes spacing is normal during development, but other times it needs correction.

Bite Problems

Overbite (top teeth stick out too far), underbite (bottom teeth in front of top teeth), crossbite (teeth don't line up when biting), or open bite (front teeth don't touch when back teeth are together).

Jaw Growth Issues

A narrow upper jaw, jaw that's too far forward or back, or asymmetrical jaw growth. These issues are easiest to correct while your child is still growing.

Habits Affecting Development

Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing that's affecting how teeth and jaws develop.

Request an appointment call (972) 231-7104

THE SCREENING PROCESS

Orthodontic screenings at Ellem Dental are quick, painless, and give you valuable information about your child's dental development.

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Step 1: Visual Examination

Dr. Morgan will examine your child's teeth, jaws, and bite. She'll look at how the teeth fit together and check for any obvious crowding or alignment issues.

Step 2: X-rays (If Needed)

Digital X-rays show teeth that haven't erupted yet and reveal the position of developing permanent teeth. This helps Dr. Morgan predict future crowding or spacing problems.

Step 3: Discussion

Dr. Morgan will explain what she found and whether any treatment is recommended. If treatment isn't needed now, she'll let you know when to come back for another check.

Step 4: Treatment Planning (If Needed)

If early intervention would be beneficial, Dr. Morgan will explain the options and timing. Not every child who needs orthodontic treatment needs it right away. She'll recommend the best time to start based on your child's specific situation.

Regular Check-Ins Matter

Even if your child's first screening shows no problems, Dr. Morgan will want to check again every 6 to 12 months. Dental development happens in stages, and issues can appear as permanent teeth erupt and jaws continue growing.

These follow-up screenings are usually quick and done during regular dental checkups. Dr. Morgan will track how teeth are coming in and whether the bite is developing properly. If she notices something changing, she can intervene before it becomes a bigger issue.

Parents often don't realize a problem is developing because changes happen gradually. Dr. Morgan's trained eye catches these issues early, when they're easiest to address.

DENTISTRY THAT feels different

At Ellem Dental, exceptional care is our standard. Discover how Dr. Morgan's advanced expertise, personalized service, and commitment to your comfort can transform not just your smile, but your entire dental experience.

Diagnostic Precision

We use advanced digital X rays and intraoral cameras with comprehensive screening protocols to detect problems early. This preventive approach helps identify issues before they become painful, complex, or costly.

Kois-Level Expertise

We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.

Concierge Experience

Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.

Anxiety-Free Options

Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.

Smile Test Drive

Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.

Beautiful Office

From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.

Diagnostic Precision

We use digital imaging and comprehensive screening protocols that catch problems early. Think of it as preventive intelligence, identifying issues before they become painful or expensive.

Kois-Level Expertise

A Concierge Experience

Anxiety-Free Options

Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.

Smile Test Drive

Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.

Beautiful Office

faqs

Common questions about ortho screenings in Richardson, TX

What are the benefits of early orthodontic screening?

Early screening guides jaw growth, creates space for permanent teeth, often avoids extractions, shortens future treatment time, and boosts confidence by fixing visible issues sooner—all while problems are easier to correct.

What happens during an orthodontic screening?

It's quick and painless: visual exam of teeth, jaws, and bite; optional digital X-rays to see unerupted teeth; discussion of findings; and recommendations on monitoring, early intervention, or timing for treatment like Invisalign.

How much does an orthodontic screening cost at Ellem Dental in Richardson TX?

An orthodontic screening at Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX typically ranges from $100 to $300 without insurance (average $150–$250, including exam, discussion, and any basic X-rays). Many insurance plans cover part or all of preventive evaluations. Flexible options like CareCredit available. Call (972) 231-7104 for your personalized estimate.

What signs mean my child needs an orthodontic screening?

Look for crowded/crooked teeth, difficulty chewing/biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking past age 5, early/late baby tooth loss, shifting jaws, or protruding teeth. These warrant an evaluation even before age 7.

Will my child definitely need braces after an orthodontic screening?

Not always. Many cases just need monitoring or simple early interventions. If treatment is recommended, we plan the best timing for effective, less invasive results with follow-ups every 6-12 months.

Have more questions?

Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Morgan .

call (972) 231-7104

Don’t Wait to Feel Your Best

Experience dentistry reimagined with luxurious amenities, a relaxing spa-like atmosphere, and a dedicated team committed to your beautiful, healthy smile