What age should my child visit the orthodontist?

As parents, we all want our children to have the best possible start in life, and that includes taking care of their dental health. One important aspect of dental health is orthodontics, which involves the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. But when should parents first bring their kids to an orthodontist?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This is because by this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which makes it easier for orthodontists to identify any potential issues.

At 7 to 7 Dental, we also recommend that parents bring their children in for their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7. Our managing orthodontist, Dr. Michael Roberts, is a specialist in the field of orthodontics and has decades of experience working with children and teenagers.

During your child's first orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Roberts or one of our incredible orthodontists will examine their teeth, jaw, and bite to identify any potential issues such as crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, or crossbite. He will also evaluate their facial growth and development to determine if any early intervention is necessary.

Early intervention can be critical in preventing more serious dental issues later in life, and in some cases, it can even help avoid the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future. For example, if a child has a narrow jaw or crowded teeth, early intervention with orthodontic appliances such as expanders can help create more space for the teeth to grow in properly.

At 7 to 7 Dental, we understand that every child is unique and may require different levels of orthodontic treatment. We will work with you and your child to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your child's specific needs.

In conclusion, parents should bring their children in for their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7. This will allow orthodontists to identify any potential issues early on and provide early intervention if necessary. At 7 to 7 Dental, we are committed to providing the highest quality orthodontic care to children and teenagers in the community. Contact us today to schedule your child's first orthodontic evaluation.