At What Age Should A Child See An Orthodontist?

Orthodontic care plays a vital role in ensuring the proper development of a child’s teeth and jaws, and early intervention can prevent or address issues before they progress. While there is no specific age at which every child should see an orthodontist near me, there are general guidelines to help parents determine when it’s appropriate to schedule their child’s first orthodontic evaluation.

The Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. By this age, most children have a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to assess their dental development and identify any issues.

Early orthodontic evaluations are beneficial for several reasons:

Detecting developmental issues:

An orthodontic evaluation at a young age allows orthodontists to identify any developmental issues that may impact the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Common problems include crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and jaw discrepancies. Early detection allows timely intervention to guide proper growth and development, possibly reducing the need for more extensive treatment later on.

Guiding growth:

Children’s jaws are still growing and developing during early childhood, making it an ideal time to influence their oral development. Orthodontists can use various techniques, such as palatal expanders or interceptive braces, to guide the growth of the jaws and create more space for permanent teeth to erupt properly.

Preventing complications:

Addressing orthodontic issues early can prevent complications that may arise if left untreated. For example, correcting bite problems early can reduce the risk of jaw pain, speech difficulties, and excessive wear on the teeth. Additionally, early intervention can help prevent the need for more invasive treatments, such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery, in the future.

Establishing a relationship:

Early orthodontic evaluations allow children to establish a relationship with their orthodontist and become familiar with the dental office environment. Building trust and rapport with their orthodontist can alleviate any anxiety or fear associated with dental visits, making future orthodontic treatment more comfortable and successful.

While the age of seven is a recommended starting point for orthodontic evaluations, every child is unique, and some may benefit from earlier intervention based on their individual needs. Parents should also be vigilant for signs of orthodontic issues, such as difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or abnormal tooth eruption, and consult with an orthodontist if they have any concerns.