The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your children be seen for an orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven.

 

You may think that your child’s teeth are growing perfectly normal, but an orthodontist can detect issues in your child’s teeth even while they still have their baby teeth. Don’t wait until it is past the earliest time to intervene and prevent future problems with your child’s teeth.

 

You should especially make an appointment with an orthodontist for your child if you have any of the following concerns or notice any of the following: (List from the American Association of Orthodontists)

  • Gain a beautiful smile
  • Gain confidence
  • Trouble chewing or biting
  • Breathing out of the mouth
  • Continued thumb-sucking or obsession with fingers in the mouth
  • Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • Jaws that move around, make sounds, stick out, or are off set
  • Trouble with talking
  • Teeth that stick out
  • Grating or locking of teeth
  • Inability to completely close mouth or discomfort in doing so

 

Why should your child be evaluated by age 7?

Before age 7 your child’s jaw is still growing, and this early time of growth is the best time for an orthodontist to evaluate how your child’s jaw and teeth are developing and to be sure they are developing normally.

Early detection for problems will help to shorten the treatment time when it is implemented. Orthodontists can detect early issues with jaw growth, early problems with teeth as they are growing in, and can detect problems that may benefit from early treatment.

 

Some dental problems can only be found by an orthodontic examination. It is important to catch these issues early and develop a treatment plan for your child.

 

 

What are the benefits of getting early orthodontic care?

Through early evaluation and risk assessment, an orthodontist can help to guide jaw growth, lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth, and correct oral habits. In addition, they can guide the growth of permanent teeth, ensure permanent teeth grow into a favorable position, and improve the closure of the lips over teeth.

 

The earlier an orthodontist can evaluate your child, the better chance they have of developing a preventive or corrective treatment plan to give your child the best smile possible. The orthodontist can decide the best treatment for your child and plan for that treatment to be conducted at the best stage of growth for your child.

 

It’s not too late to have your child examined, even if they are already past the age of 7. We are here to answer any questions you may have about your child’s orthodontic care. We look forward to serving you! Contact us with any questions and set up your child’s first orthodontic appointment!