The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist by the age of seven. At this stage, the mix of baby and adult teeth helps orthodontists spot and address potential jaw and tooth alignment issues early, potentially avoiding surgery.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Early orthodontic intervention aims to:
- Direct the growth of the jaw to accommodate all permanent teeth.
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches.
- Create space for crowded teeth, thus minimizing future extraction needs.
- Address harmful oral habits like thumb sucking that can impact teeth alignment and speech.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Attention
It can be challenging for parents to determine the need for orthodontic care. Here are indicators that could prompt a visit to the orthodontist:
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth.
- Difficulty chewing or biting.
- Persistent mouth breathing.
- Habitual thumb or finger sucking.
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth.
- Jaw noises or misalignment issues when your child chews or talks.
- Disproportionate jaw or teeth compared to the face.
- Crowded front teeth by age seven or eight.
Early evaluation and treatment can set the foundation for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. If you notice any of these signs, or just to be proactive, scheduling an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation can be a critical step in caring for your child’s dental health and overall well-being.