Get a Head Start on a Lifetime of Smiles
As a parent in Rogers, you want the best for your child. That includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile.
Kids Should Have Their First Orthodontic Check-Up By 7
Your child needs teeth and jaws that are properly aligned to have a smile that's long-lasting and healthy – in other words, a healthy bite. While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven.
By then, your child's teeth have developed enough for subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth to still be spotted, while some baby teeth are still present. This check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine and braces aren't necessary.
In some cases, Dr. Sarah may identify a developing problem, but recommend monitoring your child's growth and development. Then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for your child.
In other cases, Dr. Sarah might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
What is Early Treatment?
Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
In some cases, Dr. Sarah will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Choosing the Best Time for Treatment
While the age that kids get braces may vary, orthodontic treatment most often begins between the ages of 9 and 14. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early.
If Dr. Sarah thinks your child will need treatment, she’ll let you know when it will be best to begin treatment. This gives your orthodontist the best chance to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
Signs the Bite's Not Right
For parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem with their bite.
Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Learn More at Your Free Consultation
Please contact our Rogers office to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation.
Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.