Early orthodontic diagnosis and treatment can improve your child’s appearance and self-esteem.
For parents, it’s not always easy to tell whether their children need orthodontic treatment. Though most orthodontic treatments begin between ages 9 and 14, some cases are much easier to correct if they’re diagnosed and taken care of early.
For parents, it’s not always easy to tell whether their children need orthodontic treatment. Though most orthodontic treatments begin between ages 9 and 14, some cases are much easier to correct if they’re diagnosed and taken care of early.
Permanent teeth generally erupt at age 6 or 7. By this time, your kid’s pearly white have developed enough to where subtle orthodontic problems can be spotted.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. During this period, certain conditions such as crowding may be easier to address.
Here are signs that your child needs orthodontic attention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Thumb-sucking
- Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet, or meet in an abnormal way
- An unbalanced facial appearance
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
Early diagnosis and treatment can preserve space for permanent teeth, guide the teeth to a more favorable position, lower the risk of fracturing protruded front teeth, and ultimately, improve your child’s appearance and self-esteem.
“In many circumstances the early diagnosis and prevention makes the future treatment easier for the patient and the doctor. This does not mean that all children need treatment at this age, but it does allow the orthodontist to determine whether your child could benefit from early intervention.”
Poorly aligned and crooked teeth can lead to dental problems. If you think your child needs orthodontic treatment.
