How to Know If Your Child Needs to See an Orthodontist
I’m often asked about the best time to have children evaluated for orthodontic treatment. The challenge is that (as we all know!) every kid is different. However, a good milestone is around age seven, when a child’s jaw is developed enough, and they have enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to tell if there are any current issues… or any that may come up down the line.
We talk a lot about early intervention in orthodontics because there can be many benefits to undergoing orthodontic treatment as a child. Some benefits include shorter treatment time, fewer impacted permanent teeth and reduced chances of needing to remove teeth. When we see children early enough, we can help guide jaw growth and work to correct any problems before they turn into larger orthodontic issues.
There are signs that you can look for that will help you to identify the right time for a visit to the orthodontist:
● Particularly early or late loss of baby teeth
● Difficulty chewing or biting into food
● Mouth breathing
● Thumb or other finger sucking
● Teeth that look crowded in the mouth
● Jaw shifts or jaw noises such as popping
● Protruding teeth
● Teeth that meet abnormally or do not meet at all
● Jaw and teeth that do not appear to be proportionate to your child’s face
Keep in mind that these signs do not guarantee that your child needs treatment, but they may indicate the need for an orthodontic evaluation.
Think your child may need an orthodontic evaluation?
At Soriano Orthodontics we utilize the latest technology and developments in orthodontic treatment to ensure that your child will receive the best care available. Early treatment can help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
