The Right Time for an Orthodontic Check-Up:
No Later than Age 7
Even though most people think of pre-teens and teens when they think of
orthodontics, there are good reasons your child should get an orthodontic
evaluation much sooner. The American Association of Orthodontists
recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
Why Your Child Should Get An Orthodontic Check-up
No Later Than Age 7:
• We 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 we can detect.
• The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, we 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, we 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, we will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
• Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider early orthodontic treatment for your 7 year old:
• 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
It can correct problems early on. The earlier you start orthodontic treatment, the easier it is to correct problems with your child's teeth. This is because the bones and tissues in their mouth are still growing and developing.
It can prevent more serious problems later on. If left untreated, crooked or crowded teeth can lead to problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw pain. Early orthodontic treatment can help prevent these problems from developing.
It can improve your child's self-confidence. Many children are self-conscious about their teeth, especially as they get older. Early orthodontic treatment can help improve your child's self-confidence and self-esteem.
Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, our goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.
American Association of Orthodontists
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