When should I take my child to the orthodontist?
Many parents want to know what is the best age to take their child to the orthodontist.
One of the most frequently asked questions to us orthodontic specialists is whether it is too late to correct a tooth or jaw disorder. People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment, and it is recommended that children be examined by an orthodontist between the ages of 6-10. Examination at an early age allows the orthodontist to evaluate your child’s teeth and decide whether he or she may need early treatment. The specialist orthodontist examination will include evaluation of existing teeth as well as teeth that have not yet erupted into the mouth to help predict your child’s possible future tooth and jaw disorder.
Treatment performed when a child is 6-10 years old is early orthodontic treatment.
It’s natural to want your child to have a beautiful smile (and the confidence that comes with it!) as soon as possible, but there’s no ‘best’ age to receive orthodontic treatment. The need for treatment varies from child to child and depends on the problem to be treated. However, one thing that can be said for sure is that early orthodontic evaluation is always a good idea. It allows the orthodontist to check for any problems and answer any questions you and your child may have and talk to you about the best plan of action.
When your orthodontist examines your child at an age when he can use the growth potential of his teeth and jaws, he will be able to detect possible abnormalities in your child’s teeth and jaws earlier. This helps treat a variety of orthodontic problems, such as over inclined teeth, crowding, gaps, and missing teeth, before more serious problems begin to develop.
There are several ways to determine whether your child needs early orthodontic treatment. If you observe any of these characteristics or behaviors in your child, you should get an evaluation from an orthodontist:
Early loss of primary teeth (before age five)
If your child’s teeth do not come together when biting
Mouth breathing and/or snoring
Your child’s front teeth are crowded (you usually don’t see this until the child is seven or eight years old)
Front teeth pushed forward
Biting or chewing difficulties
Speech impediment
If your child’s jaw shifts to the right or left when opening or closing his mouth
If your child is over five years old and still sucks his thumb or finger
Early orthodontic treatment begins while the child’s jaw bones are still growing. Children’s jaws continue to grow until they reach late adolescence. Because bones are still growing, treatments to correct tooth and jaw disorders work faster and more effectively in children than in teenagers and adults. Appropriate early treatment is an effective preventive measure that lays the foundation for a healthy, well-functioning mouth in adulthood.
Even though your child’s teeth appear aligned and straight, there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed to prevent more serious problems from developing. Early intervention often means that subsequent orthodontic treatment is simpler and quicker to complete, which can also be financially beneficial in the long run.
The orthodontist typically examines your child’s permanent first molars, which are located at the very back of your child’s mouth. This will give your orthodontist the opportunity to check for a developing malocclusion. The orthodontist will also examine the incisors that are erupting into the mouth, so that problems such as crowding, deep bites, crossbites and open bites can be detected.
Finding an orthodontist for your child by age 7 can help them get to know their doctor, which can help alleviate any concerns they may have about their treatment in the future. During your initial exam, your orthodontist may need x-rays of your child’s teeth and facial bones to understand how his or her teeth will develop in the future. This way, your doctor will be able to diagnose existing problems, provide a treatment plan that covers your current needs, and give you an idea of what may be needed in the future. While many factors affect your child’s dental health and the need for orthodontic treatment—including the premature loss of baby teeth or accidents that cause tooth loss—an early evaluation can help you prepare for treatment in the future.
Orthodontists are experts in correcting tooth misalignment and correcting malocclusion. To become a registered specialist, they must complete five years of dental training followed by four years of full-time orthodontic residency training. This extra training gives orthodontists in-depth knowledge of the latest technologies and best practices to protect your child’s dental health.
If you think your child needs or would benefit from early orthodontic treatment and you want to determine the most appropriate treatment options and the most appropriate time to start treatment, only an orthodontist has the training, experience and expertise in this regard. If your doctor is an orthodontist, you can be sure that your child is in safe hands.