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.
Even though your child’s teeth may appear straight, their 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 as your child grows and develops. If early treatment is needed, it can be initiated. In many cases, early treatment can improve the final outcome of treatment.
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 finished growing.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
Control jaw growth
Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Correct harmful oral habits
Improve appearance
Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
Position teeth and lips more appropriately
If your child is over 7 years old, it’s not too late for an orthodontic check-up!
