As a parent, you want your young child to have a healthy smile. But did you know that it may require a trip to the orthodontist? Most people assume that orthodontic treatment doesn’t start until the teenage years. However, early orthodontic evaluations can play a significant role in uncovering potential areas of concern before they become more complex.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. This is the time when they should have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, providing valuable insight into development.
What Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
An early orthodontic evaluation is a simple, non-invasive assessment of your child’s jaw alignment, teeth, and bite. Close attention is paid to how the upper and lower jaws are developing and whether permanent teeth are erupting as they should. Signs of overcrowding and spacing are examined, as are habits like mouth breathing and thumb sucking.
It is important to understand that these early visits to the orthodontist are not about putting your child in braces right away. Rather, they help determine if an early intervention may be helpful during development or if certain areas should be monitored for future treatment.
Treating problems early on with interceptive orthodontics can reduce the need for significant orthodontic work later on. It may even eliminate the need for it.
Why Timing Makes a Difference
So, why is timing so important? As your child’s jaws are growing and developing, early evaluation presents the orthodontist with the opportunity to guide development rather than waiting to correct problems after they are fully formed. For instance, it can help to create space for incoming permanent teeth and improve jaw alignment.
Everything moves more easily and quickly when kids are younger. Further, not addressing issues until adolescence means that treatment can take longer and be more complex. Tooth extractions may be necessary or even require surgery.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From an Early Evaluation
Although early evaluations are recommended for kids around seven years of age, some may benefit sooner. How do you know if your child should see the orthodontist? A few of the most common signs include: the early or late loss of baby teeth, crowded or overlapping teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, jaws that shift or make sounds, and frequent thumb sucking. Mouth breathing and speech difficulties may also indicate an underlying orthodontic issue.
What happens if your child doesn’t have any of these signs? Even if it does not appear that your child needs interceptive orthodontics, it is always a good idea to have an early evaluation. This will give you peace of mind and a clear path to ensure the best oral health today and going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an early orthodontic evaluation mean my child will need braces right away?
No, not at all. Many children do not require immediate orthodontic treatment. An early evaluation is simply an opportunity for us to determine if and when care may be needed.
Is early orthodontic treatment more expensive than waiting until they are older?
Believe it or not, early treatment can reduce the complexity and cost of future orthodontic care by addressing issues before they become more serious.
At Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to helping our young patients develop strong, healthy smiles from the very start. We offer a comprehensive list of dental treatments, including orthodontics. To learn more about what we have to offer or to schedule an early orthodontic evaluation, contact us today.