Many parents wonder when their child should first see an orthodontist. Orthodontics near you is a specialty within dentistry that involves straightening teeth and correcting bites. The dental health of a child is crucial to their overall health. Preparing the dental structure early on can prevent major issues in the future.
What Age Should a Child See an Orthodontist?
Professionals suggest children visit an orthodontist around the age of 7 years old. At this age, a child has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. A check by an orthodontist will determine any indications of incorrect bites, any abnormal growth, or misalignments of the teeth. If your child has apparently straight teeth, there are perhaps unseen faults that only an orthodontist would be able to identify.
Signs That Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Care
Not every child requires early orthodontic treatment, but some signs may indicate a need for an evaluation. Parents should look for:
- Crowded or crooked teeth – Teeth that are too crowded or not in the correct location.
- Early or late loss of baby teeth – Losing the baby teeth too early or too late could impact permanent teeth.
- Difficulty chewing or biting – Problems with eating could indicate a bite problem.
- Mouth breathing – Mouth breathing rather than nose breathing can influence the growth of the jaw.
- Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting – They tend to push teeth out of alignment.
- Jaws that make sounds or shift – Clicking or shifting jaws are signs of a problem.
- Teeth that don’t meet properly – Open bite, crossbite, or underbite—can be problematic with speech and chewing.
If your child experiences any of these symptoms, an orthodontic assessment is a good idea.
Why is Early Orthodontic Treatment Important?
Early orthodontic treatment guides jaw growth and facilitates easier treatment in the future. If an issue is detected early, the orthodontist can intervene to avoid worsening the condition. This may minimize the necessity for more extensive treatments such as tooth removal or surgery in the future.
What Happens During an Orthodontic Evaluation?
During the initial visit, the orthodontist will:
- Check the child’s teeth and jaws – Observing how the teeth fit and whether the jaw is developing normally.
- Take X-rays and photos – These are used to observe teeth that haven’t yet developed.
- Suggest treatment if necessary – Some kids might require braces, while others might only need checkups periodically to track their development.
If early treatment is required, the orthodontist can employ devices such as expanders or space maintainers to encourage the teeth to grow in the correct position.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early consultation with an orthodontist has numerous benefits. The advantages of orthodontics are:
- Preventing larger issues – Correcting minor problems prior to them becoming severe.
- Making treatment easier in the future – In case braces are required in the future, they can be worn for a reduced period.
- Assisting speech and chewing – Easier speaking and eating with properly aligned teeth.
- Minimizing the risk of tooth damage – Crooked teeth are more prone to cracking.
- Improving confidence – A well-aligned smile can make a child feel confident.
What If My Child Doesn’t Need Treatment Right Away?
Certain children do not require early orthodontic care. If no serious problems are identified by the orthodontist, they will advise waiting and observing the child’s teeth for six months or once yearly. The orthodontist is able to monitor jaw development and tooth formation during this period.
Key Takeaway
An orthodontic examination at age 7 ensures a child’s jaws and teeth are growing well. Early treatment is not always indicated, but it can determine issues before they become more severe. If your child has difficulty chewing, bites incorrectly, or has crowded teeth, seeing an orthodontist can be beneficial. The benefits orthodontics include improved oral health, easier chewing, and a confident smile. A healthy smile begins with early attention!
Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit Today!
Devon Dental Associates offers orthodontic and dental services to children and adults. We want to give every patient healthy and beautiful smiles in a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere. If your child requires an orthodontic initial consultation or just braces, look no further than us. As a dental clinic in Devon we have a team of experienced professionals offering quality services. Contact us today for an appointment to give your child a bright and confident smile.