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When Should Children See an Orthodontist?
Many parents hold off on bringing their kids to the orthodontist until there are obvious problems with their child’s smile, such as overcrowding, improper spacing, an improper bite, or other very visible issues. There is also a common misconception that orthodontic treatment should not occur until a child has lost all of their baby teeth. Unfortunately, waiting too long to seek orthodontic treatment can result in more complex problems and a longer treatment period in the future!
Visit an orthodontist by the age of 7
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist by the age of 7. This is often much earlier than most parents realize, but this initial visit to the orthodontist is important. By the age of 7, a board-certified orthodontist can evaluate your child’s smile to determine if there is enough space for adult teeth to continue coming in without causing long-term problems. A simple visit to the orthodontist can determine whether your child may need some early intervention to prevent much more complicated orthodontic problems down the line such as permanent tooth impaction, uneven wear and damage of permanent teeth, facial abnormalities due to tongue posture and thumb habits, airway problems, and can even prevent future jaw surgery! In fact, most problems are best treated early as achieving the best results happens before problems become more complex.
Straight teeth aren’t a sign of a good bite
Many parents tell us that their child’s teeth are straight and look pretty, so they don’t believe their child needs to schedule an appointment. While a pretty smile is one goal we work towards with orthodontic treatment, it isn’t the only indicator of a healthy smile. Many children with straight teeth still exhibit orthodontic issues, such as an improper bite or an insufficient amount of space for soon-to-come adult teeth. Even if your child’s teeth look straight, it’s important to have an orthodontist check for other potential issues.
Still not sure your child needs an orthodontic appointment?
As a parent, it’s easy to miss some small signs that your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Even the smallest clues, such as the way your child’s teeth are wearing or the way adult teeth will fit into existing jaw space, can be detected by a trained orthodontist. Our caring, board-certified orthodontists will make you and your children feel very comfortable and relaxed at their first appointment, and you’ll know exactly what is happening at every step of the way. At Frugé Orthodontics, we have extensive experience with children’s orthodontics, which is an important factor in choosing an orthodontist for your child’s first visit. Don’t delay, give us a call today to schedule your child’s complimentary orthodontic appointment!