The Right Time For Your Child To See An Orthodontist

Dr. Patrice Smith performing an Orthodontic evaluation.

Most people think that the best time to have their child see an Orthodontist is during the pre-teen and teenage years. However, there are good reasons to have your child get an orthodontic evaluation a lot sooner. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.


Why Should Your Child Get An Orthodontic Check-Up No Later Than Age 7?

• Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.

• While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.

• The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is ne. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

• Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

• In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

• Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:

  • guide jaw growth

  • lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

  • correct harmful oral habits

  • improve appearance

  • guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position

  • improve the way lips meet

• Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

  Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the ortho- dontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

The original article can be found on the AAO website here