Friday, February 5, 2016

What is the Best Age for My Child to See an Orthodontist?



Have you noticed more young kids with braces on these days?
Why so young? 
Don’t they still have baby teeth? 
When should I take my child to see the orthodontist for the first time? 


According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the best age for children to be seen by an orthodontist for the first time is 7. Why age 7?  Not every orthodontic problem can be treated at age 7, however, most problems can be identified by that age. 

Baby or "primary" teeth are usually lost in a fairly specific order. The 1st eight primary teeth are usually lost between the ages of 6 and 8.  These eight primary teeth are ideally replaced immediately by the permanent incisors.  The 1st four permanent molars emerge around the age of 6. If they come out in a different order there may be developmental issues that need to be addressed.

Around the age of 7 it is possible to determine if a child has excessive crowding or spacing problems.   Excessive spacing may mean that a baby tooth has been lost too early or a tooth never developed.  Excessive crowding means that there isn't enough room for all of the teeth and may require early intervention for the arches to be expanded.

At any age, teeth can be aligned.  However, crooked teeth are more prone to uneven wear or damage.  Also the gum tissues can be compromised.  Earlier intervention can prevent wear and gum issues and also a child's self esteem can  be positively impacted.

Prose Orthodontics recommends an exam at age 7 so these and other conditions can be identified and corrected as early as possible.  If treatment is not warranted at this age your child's growth and development will be monitored at 6 month intervals to determine to best time for orthodontic treatment. 

As always, our new patient exams are complimentary as well as the 6 month monitoring visits.  

No matter the age, you and your family will receive the highest quality care at 

Have you noticed more young kids with braces on these days? Why so young? Don’t they still have baby teeth? When should I take my child to see the orthodontist for the first time? - See more at: http://www.gregjorgensen.com/blog/2012/08/what-is-the-best-age-for-my-child-to-see-an-orthodontist/#sthash.J3Z78Dbr.dpuf
Have you noticed more young kids with braces on these days? Why so young? Don’t they still have baby teeth? When should I take my child to see the orthodontist for the first time? - See more at: http://www.gregjorgensen.com/blog/2012/08/what-is-the-best-age-for-my-child-to-see-an-orthodontist/#sthash.J3Z78Dbr.dpuf

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