When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?

When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics is a ahendrichinc.com branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. It’s not just about creating beautiful smiles; orthodontic treatment also aids in improving oral health and overall well-being. As a parent, you may wonder when is the right time for your child to see an orthodontist.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), c4canucks.com children should have hbot2017.com their first orthodontic consultation no later than age seven. At this stage, they will likely have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner before they become more serious.

During this initial evaluation, the washingtonstreethospitality.com orthodontist can observe the progress of incoming teeth, guide them into their ideal position, monitor face and jaw development, detect any potential problems early on such as crowding or crossbites. Early intervention takes advantage of the fact that a child’s jaw is still growing so severe issues can be prevented which might require complex treatments if left unattended until all permanent teeth are fully erupted.

However, an early examination doesn’t mean your child will get braces right away. Most kids do not begin active orthodontic treatment like braces until they’re around 9-14 years old when most or all their permanent teeth have grown in. The actual timing varies depending on each individual’s dental development and needs.

It’s important to remember that while these recommendations provide a guideline for when to seek initial consultation with an orthodontist, there are signs at putrakomar.com href=”https://greycupstreams.com/”>greycupstreams.com any age that could indicate need for an assessment. These include difficulty chewing or biting food; mouth-breathing; thumb sucking beyond age mjktips.com five; overcrowded or misplaced teeth; jaws that shift or make sounds; biting cheeks or roof of mouth frequently; wordcraftedblog.com inability to close lips comfortably; prolonged retention or loss of baby teeth among others.

In conclusion, early intervention allows orthodontists to correct and guide the jaw’s growth pattern, create more space for crowded teeth, avoid the need for extractions later in life and correct harmful oral habits early. While not every child will need orthodontic treatment, a check-up no later than age seven will help parents be proactive about their child’s dental health. It is paramount to remember that a beautiful smile is just one of the many benefits of orthodontic treatment. The ultimate goal is to guide your child’s development so they have a healthy mouth with well-functioning teeth and an enhanced self-esteem which can truly be a life-changing experience.

Copyright © All rights reserved | Utix Live