Orthodontics for Children
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven.
By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. At this age it is possible orthodontists to diagnose tooth problems as they are developing so they can be addressed before becoming more serious.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Identify and correct a traumatic bite
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
Not every child will need early interceptive treatment, and in many cases treatment will be delayed until all the permanent teeth are in. Our complimentary consulations will help you determine if early treatment is necessary. Even if early treatment is not indicated, it is nice for parents to have the peace of mind that things are developing normally.
Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs 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.