Why is early Orthodontic treatment for children important?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. During this time the orthodontist will evaluate whether your child will need orthodontic treatment. Treatment for a child at this age will be in two phases, this technique combines tooth straightening and physical facial changes. This process will ensure that there is more room for permanent teeth to come in and result in fewer tooth extractions down the road. This procedure is broken up to ensure that we maximize our opportunity to accomplish stable results that will remain throughout your child’s life.

What causes orthodontic problems?

Issues can vary but common problems are tooth crowding, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites. These issues can be inherited, caused by early or late loss of baby teeth, thumb sucking, or injury to the mouth. How to tell if your child is a candidate for early orthodontic treatment,

•  Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
•  Difficulty chewing and/or biting
•  Mouth breathing
•  Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
•  Speech impediments
•  Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
•  Teeth that don’t come together in a normal manner or even at all>
•  Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
•  Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

If your child is between 7 or 8 years old and you think they might be a candidate for early orthodontic treatment, call our offices today to schedule your complimentary consultation.