Why age 7 for first orthodontic check up?

You have brought your child in for their first dental check up, but when is the right time for them to have their first orthodontic check up?

It is recommended that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur no later than age 7 or earlier if there are signs of orthodontic problems. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the best results and the least amount of time and expenses throughout your orthodontic treatment. Many parents believe that there’s no need to see an orthodontist until they are much older and all of their adult teeth have developed, but this is a myth.

Early orthodontic check ups provide timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious problems from happening later on in life. Even if orthodontic treatment isn’t necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development through the early stages of your child’s life and implement treatment if and when it may be necessary.

So why is age 7 the most ideal time for your child’s first ortho checkup? By the time a child is 7, their first molars will erupt, therefore establishing a back bite. Which means an orthodontist can indicate possible overbite, underbite, crowding, or other issues.

There are sometimes signs that your child should receive an orthodontic exam, even if may be before the age of 7. Some of these signs and symptoms may be: early or late loss of teeth, difficulty in chewing, mouth-breathing, finger sucking, crowded teeth, jaw dysfunction, or misaligned teeth. Although these signs may attribute to needing an orthodontic checkup, signs may not be obvious on many children, so it is recommended to schedule an orthodontic checkup whether or not these signs present themselves.

By having your child examined by an orthodontist, they can often reap the benefits by achieving some of these results:

– Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
– Creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
– Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
– Preserving space for teeth that have yet to erupt
– Reducing the need for tooth removal
– Reducing treatment time with braces

Evaluating your child’s teeth at a young age, can decrease the chances of them developing further issues in the future. Mark it on your calendar, and bring your child in by the time they reach their 7th birthday!

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