Most parents have many questions around the age when it’s time to schedule an orthodontic consultation for their child. Have you been wondering what age is right for your child to get an orthodontic consultation? Here, we provide the insight you need to make the best decision regarding when to bring your son or daughter in for an orthodontic consultation.

Is it Time to Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation for Your Child?

Generally speaking, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. This is because at this age, it is possible to detect subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth straightness which can be corrected more easily if identified early. That said, every child is an individual and the best age to bring your son or daughter in for an orthodontic consultation may be different.

It is important to remember that orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth. An orthodontist can help diagnose and treat underbites, overbites, crossbites, open bites, crooked teeth, and jaw joint disorders. A specialist can also help design a treatment plan that fits your child’s specific needs.

Why 7?

Orthodontic problems rarely fix themselves. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by an AAO orthodontist at age 7. By age 7, your child has enough permanent teeth that an orthodontist can spot a problem before it becomes a bigger problem.

Some issues may be obvious – misaligned teeth, an“overbite,” and an underbite or a crossbite – but others can remain undetectable by the untrained eye. Either way, let an orthodontist take a look. In addition to an intraoral exam, orthodontists use panoramic x-rays to check below the surface to look for extra teeth, missing teeth, impacted teeth or teeth coming into the wrong positions.

Early treatment, which occurs while some baby teeth are still present, can guide the growth of facial and jaw bones into a better growth pattern and provide more space for incoming permanent teeth.

Common Orthodontic Problems in Children

Some common orthodontic problems that may be seen in children include:

– Early or late loss of baby teeth

– Crowding, misplaced, and blocked out teeth

– Jaws or teeth that look too small or large for the face

– Difficulty with chewing and/or biting.

As parents, it is important to look for these signs and consider scheduling an orthodontic consultation if you feel your child may have one of these issues. Bigger problems include:

• Overbites: an overbite is when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much
• Underbites: an underbite is when the lower jaw protrudes out further than the upper jaw
• Crossbites: a crossbite is when one or more of the top teeth bite on the inside of the bottom teeth
• Open bites: an open bite is when some of the front or side teeth do not make contact when the back teeth are biting together
• Crowding: crowding is when there is not enough space for all of the teeth to fit normally in the mouth

If you notice any of these issues, it is important to bring your child in for an orthodontic consultation.

Orthodontic Treatment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

Are your child’s teeth crowded, crooked, or gapped? Do they wish they could straighten their teeth without metal braces? If so, our dentist has the solution you need: Invisalign® clear aligners. Rather than using metal brackets and wires, the Invisalign treatment system uses clear, comfortable aligners. They are custom made to fit your child’s smile. They will simply wear these aligners over the teeth and switch sets about every two weeks to gradually, gently guide their teeth to their proper positions.

Invisalign aligners are created from transparent, smooth plastic that is both exceptionally comfortable and virtually invisible. This allows your child to maintain a professional, natural-looking appearance while you straighten your smile. Invisalign may also be a good choice for adults who are interested in a more discreet orthodontic treatment. The aligners are also removable, so they can be easily removed to eat, floss, or brush your teeth.

Make an Appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

If you are looking for an orthodontic specialist in Eagle, then look no further than Premier Dentistry of Eagle. Our experienced and talented team has the expertise necessary to provide your child with the highest quality of care. We offer a wide range of services to meet all your family’s dental needs, including Invisalign. To learn more, contact us today!