Donald W Hunt Jr DMD MSD
March 7, 2017
When Should My Child See The Orthodontist?
Orthodontists treat patients of all ages, from 5 to 95. Many of my adult patients often ask “When is the right time for me to bring my child in for an orthodontic examination?”
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. At an early age, an orthodontist can determine if a child has any developing jaw or dental problems as well as evaluating a child for airway obstruction. Orthodontic treatment also provides a significant increase in a child’s self confidence and social interaction.
It has been proven through research that the old saying “wait till all the baby teeth come out” is not beneficial for all children. Some children, especially females, will begin their growth spurts prior to losing all of their baby teeth. Treatment may need to begin while a child is in their growth spurt.
Parents can seek an orthodontic specialist’s opinion at anytime without a referral to answer their questions.
Individuals seeking early orthodontic screening will receive significant benefits from timely diagnosis and treatment of particular problems when appropriate. The value of early examination is a parent’s peace of mind knowing their child has been expertly evaluated.
The orthodontist’s goal is to provide individuals with the correct treatment at the proper time. By working together, the dental team can achieve exceptional results for your dental health and provide a lifetime of beautiful Smiles!
