Much like with laundry, orthodontic health can be more manageable if you get ahead of it. And just like a check-up with your pediatrician, you shouldn’t skip an early trip to the orthodontist.
Visiting an orthodontist by age 7 will help monitor and maintain your child’s oral health and may help you avoid more costly or invasive treatments down the road. The best part is that you don’t need to wait for a dentist to recommend one — you can visit an orthodontist whenever you notice a potential teeth or jaw alignment issue.
When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children be screened by an orthodontist at the age of 7. By 7 years old, your child has enough permanent teeth for the orthodontist to detect and potentially treat jaw or teeth alignment issues.
While some issues may be obvious, others may not be apparent to the untrained eye. In addition to an intraoral exam, orthodontists can check below the surface with panoramic X-rays, allowing them to check for missing, extra, or impacted teeth.
What are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
By taking your child to see an orthodontist around the age of 7, you can detect potential problems early, allowing for prompt and effective treatment that can save money down the road. If not properly corrected, jaw and tooth issues can require more expensive and invasive treatments later.
During your child’s first orthodontic visit, the doctor will examine the teeth and jaws to determine if treatment is needed. Some common early treatment options include:
- Palatal Expander: Palatal expansion can widen the upper jaw, reducing crowding in abnormally narrow arches. Expansion occurs when the growth plate or suture in the middle of the palate is stretched, and the two halves are pushed apart. As the two halves are spread, new bone is added.
- Ideally, a palatal expander is used when a patient is still growing. In younger patients, palatal expansion may reduce the need for tooth removal or prevent impacted teeth. If not corrected while growth remains, surgery in adulthood may be necessary to widen a narrow palate to prevent an abnormal bite and wear on teeth.
- Early Interceptive Braces: In some cases, a short time with braces can correct problems early on to prevent more complex issues later. For example, correcting an anterior crossbite where the upper front teeth sit behind the bottom front teeth (underbite) early can help prevent swallowing and speech problems, allowing the teeth and jaws to continue growing correctly to avoid additional complications.
- Tooth Removal: Removing baby or impacted teeth can help permanent teeth emerge more easily and encourage them to come closer to their ideal position, even without an orthodontic appliance. Your orthodontist will suggest the best time for extractions to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Taking them to the orthodontist early allows you to receive the optimal treatment at the optimal time.
What if Your Child Doesn’t Need Treatment?
One of three things could result from your child’s first appointment with the orthodontist:
- There may be no need for treatment recognized at that time.
- Treatment may be necessary in the future, so your child will be assessed periodically while the face and jaws continue to develop.
- A problem that would benefit from early treatment already exists, and your orthodontist will recommend the best next steps for your child.
Even if your child doesn’t need orthodontic treatment at age 7, taking them for their first visit allows the orthodontist to monitor their growth and avoid costly future problems with the jaws or teeth by detecting and treating orthodontic issues at the right time.
Discuss Early Orthodontic Treatment with an AAO Orthodontist
You can work with an American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Orthodontist to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile at any age. As experts in dentofacial orthopedics, AAO orthodontists possess the skills and experience required to ensure your child’s dental development remains healthy. Find an orthodontist near you at aaoinfo.org/locator and schedule your child’s first consultation today.
