The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children be seen by an orthodontic specialist by age 7. Here’s why:
The orthodontist can detect problems in the jaw, jawbone and permanent teeth that begin to erupt while baby teeth are still present.
Although your child’s teeth may appear straight, his or her occlusion may present problems that the orthodontist will be able to detect.
The examination may reveal that your child does not need orthodontic treatment or identify a problem that needs to be followed up during your child’s growth and development. If early treatment is needed, it can be initiated. In many cases, early treatment can improve the final treatment outcome.
Early treatment can prevent and intercept problems before they become complicated, as well as shorten treatment time and minimize future complications. In some cases, the orthodontist can achieve results that would not be possible if the bony structures of the face had completed growth.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist:
Controlling mandibular growth
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruded anterior teeth
Correcting harmful oral habits
Improve appearance
Guide the permanent teeth to a more favorable position.
To position teeth and lips in a more appropriate way.
If your child is over 7 years old, it’s not too late for an orthodontic check-up!
