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Children's Orthodontics Specialist

Stone Ridge Orthodontics Anishka Frankenberry, DDS Our Services Children's Orthodontics

Stone Ridge Orthodontics

Anishka Frankenberry, DDS

Orthodontist located in Stone Ridge, VA

Children will love coming to visit Dr. Anishka Frankenberry at Stone Ridge Orthodontics. She’s a kind and compassionate orthodontist who has undergone orthodontic treatment herself, so she identifies with patients who are anxious about visiting the dentist. Dr. Frankenberry’s office has all kinds of educational games and activities to busy your child while you wait for your appointment. With an office in Stone Ridge, she serves the northern Virginia area, including surrounding areas of Herndon, Reston, and Sterling.

Children's Orthodontics Q & A

How do I know if my child needs to see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends having the first orthodontic checkup at age 7. At that age, children most likely have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Dr. Frankenberry can examine your child’s incoming teeth and assess the probable alignment of her permanent teeth. An examination and diagnosis are required before orthodontic work begins, and Dr. Frankenberry enjoys working with children.

Early detection and prevention are key to your child’s dental health. If you notice any of the following, it could be time for you to bring your child to see Dr. Frankenberry for an orthodontic assessment:

  • Misshapen or irregular baby teeth
  • Crooked or crowded permanent teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or speaking
  • Thumb sucking that has led to the front teeth protruding
  • Jaw popping when your child yawns

Dr. Frankenberry will examine your child and let you know if orthodontic treatment is needed.

What’s the advantage of two-phase orthodontic treatment?

Dr. Frankenberry uses a two-phase orthodontic treatment, which is a specialized process combining tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life.
Phase 1 treatment helps make sure your child’s mouth and jaw can accommodate all of her permanent teeth. At this stage, treatment is designed to address and correct problems before they become too serious, to prevent the need for surgical intervention or extractions later on. Phase 1 treatment might save you the time and expense of correcting the positioning of your child’s permanent teeth.

After phase 1 of your child’s orthodontic treatment plan, there’s a resting period where Dr. Frankenberry observes the permanent teeth as they come in. If you notice anything unusual about the way your child’s teeth during the resting phase, you can contact Dr. Frankenberry’s office. Phase 2 of treatment occurs when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. It usually involves upper and lower braces, followed by retainers.