When Should Your Child First Visit the Orthodontist?

Posted on September 11, 2019

How to Know When is the Right Time?

Knowing whether it is time to take your kid to the orthodontist can be a confusing time and we hope to clarify that with this article.

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, it is recommended that your child has an orthodontics examination by the time they are 7 years old. The reason for this is the by age 7 it is extremely common to have all their 6-year molars and 4 of their permanent anterior (front) teeth; with this in place, your orthodontist can give a very accurate diagnosis.

Benefits of Starting Young

The main benefit of taking your child to see an orthodontist at a young age is that it helps to minimize, or even eliminate more extensive treatment later in life. Additionally, early orthodontic examinations can help ensure proper jaw development and allow for the normal eruption of permanent teeth.

Behaviors That Could Signal Orthodontic Help

If your child experiences any of these, it is a sign that orthodontic treatment will be needed:

• Grinds teeth excessively
• Bites their cheeks and roof of their mouth
• Jaws that appear to far back or forward
• Misplaced Teeth
• Difficulty chewing
• Loses baby teeth to early or late

Contact Jacaranda Smiles

If you have decided it is time for your little one to see the orthodontist, we would love to help. Call Jacaranda Smiles today at (954) 542-9988 or contact us online.