Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see an Orthodontist for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that an orthodontist examine children by age seven.
To create a smile that lasts a lifetime, your child needs teeth that are straight and jaws that are aligned properly. That all begins with the baby teeth, the way they are aligned, when and how they fall out, and how much room they are allowing or not allowing for the emergence of permanent adult teeth.
Orthodontic Exam By Age Seven The transition from primary teeth to permanent teeth is extremely important. Where primary teeth are located is important. When primary teeth fall out is important. Primary teeth set the foundation for permanent teeth and their proper positions. That is why it is important to have an orthodontist examine your child’s mouth while they still have primary teeth. Your child’s teeth may look straight, but there may be underlying problems with the bite.
Some of your child’s behaviors may give some indication that an orthodontic examination is in order. Discuss your concerns with your Orthodontist if your child:
• Has lost their baby teeth early or late • Has difficulty chewing or biting • Breathes through their mouth • Sucks their thumb • Has crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth • Has a jaw that shifts or makes sounds • Has difficulty speaking • Bites their cheek or the roof of their mouth • Has teeth that meet abnormally, or do not meet at all • Has a facial imbalance • Grinds or clenches their teeth • Their jaw appears too far forward or too far back
Schedule A Consultation Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future. Call us today at 203-513-2014