Your Child's First Orthodontic Check-Up:
No Later Than Age 7
Good Dental Health Starts Early
The American Dental Association recommends that a child visit the family dentist by his or her first birthday, while baby (primary) teeth are emerging. By seeing a child early, your dentist can see how teeth and jaws are developing and can alert you to changes that might occur as your child grows.
All Kids Should Get An Orthodontic Check-Up No Later Than Age 7
When most people think of orthodontics, they think of teenagers. And the fact is, most orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 9 and 14. However, by age 7, when most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth, orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and tooth eruption. That is important because some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if found early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect. For each patient that needs treatment, there is an ideal time for treatment to begin in order to achieve the best results. The orthodontist is the specialist who has the knowledge to determine when the time is just right.
Signs That The Bite's Not Right
It's not always easy to tell when your child has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite. Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:
early or late loss of baby teeth
difficulty in chewing or biting
breathing through the mouth
thumb-sucking
crowded, misplaced, or blocked out teeth
jaws that are too far forward or back
biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
upper and lower teeth that don't meet
an unbalanced facial appearance
grinding or clenching of the teeth
What Is Early Treatment?
Early treatment can prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Typically, early treatment involves the use of orthodontic appliances, which may be removable, to guide the growth of young bones and create a better environment for adult teeth as they emerge. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that wouldn't be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing. Early treatment gives your orthodontist the chance to:
guide jaw growth
lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
correct harmful oral habits
improve appearance and self-esteem
guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
improve the way the lips meet