Early treatment
At what age should you bring your child to the orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises that children should have their first visit to an orthodontist by the age of seven.
Often, primary care dentists will identify issues that require an orthodontist's attention and will refer patients to our office. We appreciate these referrals as they enable us to assess the situation, determine if treatment is necessary, and decide on the optimal timing for it. A screening with an orthodontist at age seven ensures that no issues are missed and that the teeth are erupting and developing correctly. Therefore, it's important for your child to see an orthodontist by the age of seven.
You might be wondering, "Why would my child need braces at age seven? Isn't that too young?" The truth is, most seven-year-olds won't need braces. In fact, the majority of children who come in for a screening do not require early treatment. However, the AAO recommends a screening at this age to identify and rule out potentially serious conditions that might not be obvious to the untrained eye.
What types of problems does the orthodontist look for at the initial “age 7” screening?
Severe Dental Crowding
Severe crowding at age seven doesn't always require early braces. If there's insufficient room for all of your child's teeth, an orthodontist may discuss the potential need for tooth extractions and the appropriate timing. While braces may be needed later, early conservative techniques can significantly improve alignment without early braces.
Cross Bites with a Functional Shift
A cross bite occurs when the lower teeth are on the outside of the upper teeth, often due to a jaw shift into an abnormal bite. This issue should be addressed early, as untreated cross bites can lead to asymmetric jaw growth and serious bite issues later in life, potentially requiring invasive treatments like jaw surgery. The good news is that cross bites are often easy to fix at a young age. Screening by an orthodontist at age seven can save your child from long, expensive, and invasive treatments in the future.
Premature Loss of Baby Teeth
When baby teeth are lost too early, it can cause adjacent teeth to tip into the empty space, blocking the proper eruption of permanent teeth. Early detection allows an orthodontist to place a simple "space maintainer" appliance to prevent this issue. If not addressed promptly, teeth may shift and obstruct the eruption of other permanent teeth, leading to increased treatment needs and costs. Early intervention can save your child time in braces and save you money.
Over-Retained Baby Teeth
If baby teeth are not lost in the correct order or on time, permanent teeth may erupt into unfavorable positions or become "stuck" in the bone. Simple, non-invasive early treatments can prevent more complex and expensive procedures later in life.
Thumb or Finger Sucking Habits
Thumb sucking can cause teeth to move in unwanted ways and even lead to jaw growth problems. It's crucial to address this habit early. Orthodontists use a combination of coaching and reminder appliances to help children discontinue the habit.
Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth, or teeth stuck in the bone, require a plan from an orthodontist to allow them to erupt into the mouth as easily and painlessly as possible.
Teeth That "Stick Out" Too Far
If your child's adult teeth protrude too far, they are at risk of injury and damage. Addressing this issue early can prevent potential harm.