A lot of people think about teenagers when they think about braces. The truth is that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7! Does that seem early? We get it. Keep reading to find out why seven years old is the perfect age to bring your child in for their first orthodontic evaluation.
Why Age Seven?
We hear all the time that seven seems early for an orthodontic appointment. Most seven-year-olds do not even have many of their permanent teeth yet and you may be surprised to hear that is exactly why it is the best time for them to see an orthodontist. By scheduling your first consult before your child’s permanent teeth erupt, Dr. Cox can see potential problems before they happen. Common issues that can be seen during these early visits include problems with bite or overcrowding.
Preventing Problems
Another important benefit of early orthodontic office visits is the prevention of complicated orthodontic problems down the road. By checking how your child’s teeth are coming in and their jaw is developing your orthodontist can begin building your child’s individual treatment plan, including when the optimal time to begin treatment will be.
Before they are ready for braces, some younger children may need to wear orthodontic appliances to help prevent problems or your orthodontist may suggest yearly check-ups to monitor growth and tooth development. There is also the potential that early appointments can shorten treatment times and prevent the need for more intensive or uncomfortable procedures. By avoiding longer treatment times, or more complicated procedures, early appointments can also help save you money!
Lifelong Smiles Start at Seven
We know that, as parents, you only want the very best for your children now and always. That includes a lifelong beautiful smile. Scheduling your child’s first appointment by two is the key to starting them on the most ideal orthodontic path. If your child is nearing age 7 (or is older and has not seen an orthodontist yet) Contact us today. We want to help your family see the benefits and beautiful smiles that early orthodontic treatment can provide.