Your child’s smile is one of their most important physical features – and you want it to look its best. That’s why more and more parents ask: when should my child see an orthodontist? It’s a great question!
Although the oral health needs of every individual can vary greatly, several key indicators signal, it may be time for your son or daughter to visit an orthodontist. Read on to discover the signs that could dictate whether your little one should schedule a checkup — or even consider straightening those pearly whites.
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What Age to See an Orthodontist?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, seven is an ideal age for a first orthodontic appointment. By age 7, your child’s adult back molars and some baby teeth will likely be replaced by adult teeth. By this age, the contour of their jaw is also largely determined. During this transition period, an orthodontist can identify any potential orthodontic complications.
The primary reason is that most children have lost a few baby teeth by age 7 but have not yet acquired many adult teeth. Behind the final baby teeth, the first set of adult molars, properly called “six-year molars,” begin to erupt about this time. The presence of both baby and adult teeth offers the orthodontist a solid idea of how the baby teeth are paving the way for the healthy development of the adult teeth.
The bite condition at this age can assist the orthodontist in determining how the bite will fit together and whether there will be any possible issues throughout the jaw and bite growth. In addition, we will do a 3D scan (often referred to as a “growth and development scan”) to determine if any adult teeth are missing and to identify any deviations from normal tooth eruption. If we identify any possible concerns or complications throughout adolescence, we can devise a treatment strategy sooner rather than later.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluations
Today’s orthodontic treatments can address many common problems that affect the way teeth look and fit in the mouth, including gaps between teeth, underbites, crowding of teeth and crossbites. But these issues don’t just appear overnight – they typically start to become noticeable while children are still young. That’s why early orthodontic evaluations are so important for children – to identify potential problems with their growing smiles as soon as possible and develop a plan for treatment if any is needed.
Interceptive Orthodontics
Early diagnosis and treatment can guide emerging teeth into a more favorable position, conserve room for permanent teeth, and lessen the probability of front tooth fractures. If early intervention is necessary, an orthodontist can direct the growth of the jaw and the emergence of permanent teeth.
Early treatment can help control the breadth of the upper and lower dental arches, create room for permanent teeth, prevent permanent tooth extractions, minimize the probability of permanent teeth being impacted, correct thumb sucking, and eliminate aberrant swallowing or speech issues. In other words, early intervention can facilitate therapy when all permanent teeth have emerged.
Early orthodontic assessments are crucial for young children, as they allow for diagnosing and treating any possible tooth and jaw abnormalities. In the long term, an orthodontic assessment for youngsters between the ages of six and nine can result in a healthier smile since dental issues can be detected sooner.
Planning For Braces
When we analyze your child at a young age, we have adequate time to prepare for the most appropriate treatment at the exact moment. Even while braces can be worn at any age, there is the best period for orthodontic treatment, which can vary from kid to child but is often before the child stops developing entirely.
By bringing your child in for an orthodontic assessment when they are about seven years old, you can arrange braces. In many situations, arranging for braces requires scheduling follow-up appointments every three, six, or twelve months to monitor the development of your child’s teeth.
Developing Proper Oral Hygiene Habits
It is always a good idea to monitor your health as you age, but it’s also important to know when to start!
Orthodontists can aid in reinforcing the positive behaviors that parents have been preaching for years. For instance, if a youngster is hesitant to wash their teeth or continues to suck their thumb, an orthodontist may explain why these behaviors are problematic and the consequences they might bring.
It is a truth that children are more likely to listen to authority figures from outside their immediate family, even if that authority figure is repeating the exact same information that their parents have already stated.
Treats Harmful Oral Habits
From birth until roughly age five, thumb sucking is a normal reflex; nonetheless, it is typical for some children to continue thumb sucking into adulthood. If your child continues this tendency after age six, they are at a considerably higher risk of tooth decay. Braces may be appealing to thumb-suckers, but they may also be a terrific tool to help your child quit this practice.
Improves Confidence
It is normal for your child to battle with self-esteem as they mature. Sometimes having crooked teeth can trigger or exacerbate these concerns, resulting in your child having negative sentiments about their smile. Children can restore their self-confidence after receiving braces, knowing that their teeth will soon be aligned. Children who choose traditional metal braces can maximize their orthodontic care by changing the color of their elastics at each session. They will never cease wanting to smile!
Schedule Your Child’s First Visit Today
Going to a pediatric dentist in Burke, VA, for the first time can be a daunting experience, but ensuring that your child’s teeth are healthy and aligned properly is important. Dental professionals will take X-rays or digital images of your child’s mouth and teeth to determine the best course of treatment.
Scheduling your child’s first visit today is important in ensuring their oral health for years to come!
