When Should I Take My Child to the Orthodontist?

Visiting the orthodontist is critical to assessing the health needs of your child. An orthodontist can help you determine potential developmental problems your child may encounter.

Generally speaking, the earlier you take your child to the orthodontist, the better. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, you should consider scheduling an orthodontic evaluation as soon as you see signs of problems, but you should wait no later than age seven. Let’s take a closer look at why.

The Best Age For the First Orthodontist Visit

An ideal age to visit the best orthodontist in your area is by the time your child turns seven. However, that does not mean you need to worry if your child is age eight or over. You can schedule an appointment to visit the best orthodontist offices today. This appointment can help determine if your child needs orthodontic treatment.

Signs You Should Pay Attention To

While you should aim to make an orthodontist visit by the time your child turns seven, there may be good reason to schedule an appointment much earlier.

As a parent, you’ll want to become familiar with the signs that indicate that you should take your child to the best orthodontist around for an assessment. These signs include thumb sucking that extends beyond the age of three or four. If your child is breathing through their mouth more than their nose, this could also indicate an orthodontic problem. If your child snores while sleeping, you should also consider seeking out an orthodontist for assistance. Likewise, if you notice an overbite or an underbite affecting your child’s bite or if your child’s permanent teeth or crooked or have significant gaps, you should visit the best orthodontist in your community.

Why Bring Your Child Early?

Taking your child to the best orthodontist available at an early age can help reveal issues before they become obvious. For example, a permanent tooth may develop behind a baby tooth and grow in front or behind the baby tooth. An orthodontist can help detect improper jaw development and teeth growth. Since issues like these could result in overcrowding, an underbite, or an overbite, it will benefit your child if they’re caught early. An orthodontist can see early signs of these conditions and others.

Waiting too long to visit the best orthodontist can result in development problems that may require extensive treatment. In some cases, delaying orthodontic visits can have a permanent impact on a young person’s health.

Now that you understand the ideal timeline for the start of orthodontic evaluation and treatment, you can make more informed decisions relating to your child’s health and wellness. For more information on scheduling an appointment for your child, please contact us today.