LINDENHURST, ILLINOIS – One of the most frequently asked questions at the Affiliated Dental Specialists office is about when the first orthodontics appointment should be scheduled. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age seven.
“By then, the majority of children have mixed dentition, a combination of baby and adult teeth, and many bite problems are already apparent,” according to Dr. Gary Klein, Lindenhurst orthodontist.This orthodontic evaluation allows the doctor to assess dental development and work with parents and children to correct harmful oral habits before they cause permanent damage. While some cases may not require immediate treatment, just observation, early monitoring allows the orthodontist to begin treatment with braces at the most opportune moment.
The things the doctor will be evaluating at this appointment include alignment and mechanics of the teeth, bite and jaw, cosmetics, facial harmony, how the lips meet and the overall appearance of the child’s smile.
After the examination, the doctor will give his recommendations for possible courses of therapy, answer your questions and give an estimated length of treatment and cost.
Some conditions, like these eight, can warrant a visit to the orthodontist before age seven:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Protruded teeth
- Anterior or posterior cross bites
- A jaw that appears either too far forward or back
- Oral-digital habits
- Unbalanced facial appearance
“Don’t automatically assume your child will outgrow these conditions or that he or she does not have a problem because you don’t see one,” says Dr. Richard Port, who earned Diplomate status as an orthodontist and pediatric dentist.
Spotting a subtle problem with jaw growth or emerging teeth early at least gives the option of early treatment. Intervening early may prevent more serious problems from developing and make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to get results that may not be possible once the face and jaws are fully developed.
“Early treatment is about preventing problems and working with the jaws and permanent teeth, guiding them into position as they develop,” explains Dr. Klein, an Invisalign provider. “Once the mouth is done developing, orthodontic treatment is working against existing conditions to fix problems and bring the teeth, jaws and mouth into alignment.”
We recommend talking to your children’s dentist or calling our office to schedule a consultation if you have any questions or concerns about your children’s oral health.
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