When should you start taking your child to the orthodontist? Should you wait until your dentist refers you, or take them when you start to notice crooked teeth or a misaligned bite?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should be seen by an orthodontist starting at age 7, unless an issue becomes prevalent before then. If you are questioning why it’s necessary to have your child seen by an orthodontist at such a young age (especially if you can’t see any problems), keep reading!
Sometimes problems exist that aren’t outwardly visible.
It’s true, some kids have extreme teeth or bite issues that you can see just by looking at them. It’s not hard to spot crooked teeth or a gap. But there are many problems that you may not be able to see as a parent. An orthodontist can spot issues with the jaw, as well as potential and developing problems that will impact your child’s smile as permanent teeth continue to come in.
It is easier to treat issues when a child is still growing.
If a problem or developing problem is identified, it is much easier to correct it as a child is growing, rather than go back and correct a problem when growth has slowed or after they have stopped growing completely. The earlier a problem can start being treated, the better long-term result can be achieved!
Helps determine if early treatment is necessary.
Early treatment, if needed, can have a huge range of benefits for your child’s smile. As mentioned, it is easier, in general, to make changes to the bite, jaw, and facial structure while a child is still growing. Also, if a two-phase treatment is necessary, it is better to know that early on so that a long-term plan can be established for both phases.
Our options
At our practice, we believe wholeheartedly in providing the best and most effective early treatment possible (when it is necessary). Early treatment and intervention can help with problems that not only affect the aesthetics of a smile, but also a child’s ability to chew, speak, and clean their teeth. We use “Invisalign first” treatment, among other intervention and preventative early treatments. Learn more about our early treatment services on our website and schedule a consultation!