Kids + Teens

We take the utmost care in treating your whole family!

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends
that most children should have an orthodontic screening by age 7.

Early Screening

An early screening allows Dr. Scott to determine if orthodontic treatment will be required and the best time for the patient to be treated.

Two Phase Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment consists of two treatment stages separated by a resting period. We recommend that you do not delay either of these stages, as this can lead to more invasive and potentially less effective treatments in the future.

Two-phase treatment has become very popular in the orthodontic world. One of the things that sets our office apart is that we don’t recommend an early phase for every patient.

Our treatment plans are truly individualized and in most cases, we can obtain excellent results with just one phase of treatment. In the meantime, we try to keep it fun with our kids club.

Phase One

Phase One treatment is intended to help the jaw develop properly in order to accommodate all of the permanent teeth and ensure that the upper and lower jaws fit together correctly. Careful attention to the growth and development of the jaws during this phase of treatment can prevent many future problems.

Resting Phase

During the resting period between treatment phases, the teeth will be left to develop on their own. A successful first phase creates space for permanent teeth to erupt without difficulty. Our orthodontic team will monitor your child’s teeth during this time to ensure that everything develops correctly.

Phase Two

When your child begins Phase Two treatment, our orthodontist will evaluate their teeth and jaws, and provide any treatments necessary to ensure that the teeth are in harmony with each other, as well as the lips, cheeks and tongue. Phase Two is typically when the patient will wear full braces or receive other orthodontic treatment. Retainers will be used following treatment to keep your child’s teeth in their proper positions.

FAQs

At what age should a child first visit the orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that most children should have an orthodontic screening by age 7. This allows Dr. Scott to determine if orthodontic treatment will be required and the best time for the patient to be treated. Many of the dentists in our community have been trained to identify orthodontic problems early and may refer you to our office earlier than age 7.

Braces can improve function of the bite and teeth, improve ability to clean the teeth, prevent wear on the teeth, and increase the longevity of natural teeth over a lifetime.
Why are children being evaluated at such an early age?

Early diagnosis and treatment can guide erupting teeth into a more favorable position, preserve space for permanent teeth, and reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth.

If early treatment is indicated, Dr. Scott can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment after all the permanent teeth erupt.
Does early treatment benefit all children?

Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years, when all the permanent teeth have erupted. Some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or completed. The doctors develop a plan for treatment based on each individual child’s needs. If the doctor decides the patient is not ready for treatment is placed on our orthodontic supervisory program.
If a child has treatment early, will this prevent the need for braces as an adolescent?

Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent more severe problems from developing, and simplify future treatment. Because all of the permanent teeth have not yet erupted when early treatment is performed, their final alignment may not have been corrected. Typically, a shortened comprehensive phase of treatment (Phase II – full braces) in the teen years, after all the permanent teeth have erupted, completes the correction. However, in some circumstances, further orthodontic treatment may not be indicated.
Are recall or observation appointments important?

Recall or observation appointments are very important, and here’s why…

• We may take a progress x-ray at this appointment to evaluate a child’s dental development.

• We evaluate the loss of primary teeth and the eruption of the permanent replacements. Losing primary teeth on time and in the right order can help the permanent teeth come in straighter.

• We counsel the family about the timing of the next phase of treatment. Dr. Scott’s philosophy that she will not begin treatment before a patient is ready. This might mean waiting a few months or even years. If we start too early, a patient may have the braces on too long. If we wait too long, we might miss the opportunity to keep treatment as short as possible or end up extending it into the prom or graduation years of high school (not usually popular with the teenagers or parents.)
Do we still need to see our family dentist during orthodontic treatment?

Patients with braces and other orthodontic appliances require more effort to keep their teeth and gums clean. Because we want to insure the highest level of dental health, we recommend you see your family dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every 6 months during treatment.
In addition to a beautiful new smile, what are some other benefits of orthodontic treatment?

New Patients

Questions? Contact Us

New Patients

Questions? Contact Us

Types of Braces

Thanks to today’s advances in orthodontic technology, Indigo Orthodontics provides our patients with more options for orthodontic treatment than ever before. While traditional metal braces are still widely used, Invisalign’s removable aligners, the “braceless” alternative for straight teeth is also widely popular with adults and teens alike. Dr. Scott and her team will help you determine which treatment option is right for you.

Learn More

Downtown Columbia

Mon – Thur 8:15 – 5:00
Friday 8:00 – noon

4233 DEVINE STREET
COLUMBIA, SC 29205
(803) 788-7000

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Directions

Northeast Columbia

Mon – Thur 8:15 – 5:00

5 OFFICE PARK COURT
COLUMBIA, SC 29223
(803) 743-9200

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Directions

Patient Testimonials

We love hearing from our patients! Read a few of our recent reviews below:

“We would highly recommend Indigo Orthodontics. My preteen/teen loved her experience at Indigo. We felt very confident with Dr. Scott’s expertise, knowledge, and years of experience. Even with the stress of an impacted tooth, three extraction procedures (performed by Dr Wilson, amazing), and extra months added to her treatment schedule, we felt expertly guided through every decision. Her staff made each appointment fun and personal; greeting her by name, asking about her progress even when she was in someone else’s chair. Her smile is beautiful. All the Advil was worth it!”

“Indigo is the best place for braces! My son had braces done here and we had zero issues so when my daughter needed brace I went to several Orthodontists in the area for a consultation and Indigo was the best option hands down. They had the best price, were very knowledgeable, and their staff is very friendly and professional! They made the process carefree and I feel that they value our business. I highly recommend them and would refer anyone to them in the need of braces! My daughter’s favorite part is the free ice cream treat after every appointment! Thank you Dr. Scott & your wonderful team!”

“Just visited Indigo Orthodontics for a consultation and was very impressed! My daughter felt welcomed and is excited for her braces! The staff was friendly and the office was very clean. We feel confident with our choice to move forward with Indigo and can’t wait for this next journey!”

“Indigo Orthodontics is wonderful! All of the staff are kind and efficient, wait time is always short, and they answer all of your questions. My teeth are looking great thanks to this wonderful team! I always look forward to my visits!”

“Since we started with Indigo Orthodontics years ago, they have been nothing short of amazing! I didn’t pay a penny until we decided to get braces for my son. The staff is always friendly and willing to help by going above and beyond. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for an orthodontist in the Columbia area. They are amazing.”

“Dr Scott and her staff are wonderul. From the front desk staff to the back of house team, customer service is top notch! Along with great customer service came kindness to my nervous 12 year old. They eased his mind and answered all his questions with patience and a smile. Would highly recommend Dr Scott and her team.”

“Staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The entire office is amazing—always professional. We have been seen multiple times in office and we are satisfied every time. Appointments are always on time. We love this orthodontist office!”

“We love this orthodontist office! The staff is amazing—always friendly and professional. Appointments run on time, and the office is very kid-friendly. The décor is super cute and welcoming, making every visit a great experience!”

“Dr. Scott took off my 13-year-old’s braces this morning and I daresay she (my daughter) is sad that her time at Indigo Orthodontics is coming to an end! The people who work at the desk and in the treatment room always remember my daughter’s name and treat her like a person, not just a patient file. We are grateful for such care!”

“We have had a great experience at Indigo! A beautiful office, wonderful customer service and extremely friendly staff! Everyone we’ve interacted with genuinely seems to enjoy their job! Dr Scott is very kind and warm!”

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