1st time to an orthodontist
When you have a child, you want to make sure that they are in good health. Being preoccupied by their kids’ oral health, but also wanting to ensure that their kids will have a beautiful smile, parents are often wondering when is an appropriate age for their child to be seen by an orthodontist.
Although many of the orthodontic treatments begin around the age of 12-13 years old, after all their permanent teeth are erupted, there are situations when treatments are started much earlier. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that a child is first seen by an orthodontist around the age of 7 years old.
First Orthodontic Assessment
Even if it may sound too early, there are some good reasons to have an initial orthodontic check-up around the age of 7. Here are some of the benefits:
- Early check-up and intervention can give the orthodontist the chance to oversee and guide the jaw growth
- This is also the age when most of the kids have lost some of the baby teeth, but also the age for growing the first set of molars (the ‘six-years’ molars). Having both baby and adult teeth present, an orthodontist can have an indication of how the teeth will grow in the position, but also an indication of how the bite will fit or if there are potential problems with the jaw development.
- During this early stage, both jaw and tooth are more elastic, allowing a smoother intervention in case an early treatment is needed (a treatment before all the adult teeth are present).
Will my kid need braces? Or early treatment?
Not every child will need braces and the majority of the kids do not need early treatments, but there are exceptions of course. The best way to evaluate your child’s condition is by scheduling a visit.
Signs that might show you that an orthodontic check-up is needed
It is only the orthodontist who will evaluate and identify existing orthodontic issues. But there are also some signs that can indicate that your child might benefit from a specialist’s check-up. Among these sings, we can mention:
- Crowded teeth
- Prolonged thumb or digit sucking
- Grinding teeth
- Adult teeth emerging too early
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Or uncomfortable jaw position
- Bite issues: anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite or open bite.
No matter the origins of these issues (genetics or habits), it is good to have them addressed as soon as possible.
Orthodontic appointment
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