What's the best age to visit an orthodontist?
An Orthodontist can work on your smile at any time but it is best to start early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child be seen by an orthodontist around the age of 7.
This allows your orthodontist to determine the need for and the best time to start treatment. Early evaluation ensures timely detection of problems and a better opportunity for a more effective treatment plan. While it is best to start early, orthodontic treatment can be beneficial at any age. Adults find significant accomplishments can be attained because the drive and cooperation of adult patients provide a good foundation for successful orthodontic treatment.
Benefits of early orthodontic treatment:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Improving facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for non-erupted teeth
- Minimizing treatment time with braces
- Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
When to see an orthodontist:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.