At Dhingra Orthodontics, we understand that you want your child to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for life! We often hear from parents who wonder, when should a child first see an orthodontist?
While there is no hard and fast rule for when to start orthodontic treatment, your child should visit an orthodontist for a consultation by the time they are seven years old. Learn more about the best age for braces, when should you first see an orthodontist, and early orthodontic treatment.
When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, your child should get an orthodontic exam by age 7. At this age, your child’s teeth and jaw have developed enough for us to monitor their growth. We can assess your child’s bite and determine whether they may require orthodontic intervention to correct malocclusions before they develop into more complex conditions.
The majority of children will not need early orthodontic treatment. If this is the case but your child still needs orthodontic intervention, the best age for braces is usually around 10-13 years old. This is an ideal time because their teeth and jaw are more developed, but still malleable and easier to align!
Signs A Child May Need An Orthodontic Exam
Parents may not know what to look out for when considering orthodontic treatment for their child. If your kid exhibits any of the following, it’s time to take them to their first orthodontic exam.
- Crowded and crooked teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Losing baby teeth too early or too late
- Difficulty chewing/speaking
- Thumbsucking
- Jaw popping or shifting
- Biting the inside of the cheek frequently
- Teeth grinding
- Mouth breathing
- Loud snoring
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Exam
Your child’s first orthodontist appointment is a great opportunity for us to get to know your child, identify their needs, and determine what kind of orthodontic care to provide. During your little one’s complimentary consultation, we will:
- Review their dental and general health history.
- Perform a physical exam of their teeth and jaw.
- Take x-rays and digital imaging.
- Diagnose potential bite malocclusions.
- Discuss your child’s treatment options.
- Talk with you about our flexible financing options and create an interest-free payment plan.
Not All Children Need Orthodontic Treatment
The truth is that most children will not need interceptive orthodontic treatment. That being said, taking your child to the orthodontist by age 7 is a great preventative measure to ensure that they have a healthy smile for life!
If your child does not require early orthodontic treatment, we suggest that you bring your child to visit us when they are 10-13 years old. This is usually the best age for braces since their bite is more developed and their teeth and jaw are easier to align.
When Should You First See an Orthodontist
So, when should a child first see an orthodontist? While not every child needs early treatment, taking them to the orthodontist by age 7 is the best way to monitor their growth and intervene if we detect any potential bite malocclusions.
If you’re looking for the best early orthodontic treatment for your child, you can trust the experts at Dhingra Orthodontics to provide the finest care available. We have three convenient locations in Springfield, Beavercreek, and Bellefontaine, OH. Schedule a complimentary consultation or get an online smile assessment today!
