Did you know that the earlier you seek orthodontic care for your child the better it is for their oral health. How early you ask, well according to the American Association of Orthodontist it is recommended that an initial evaluation be done by age 7.
When most people think of braces they have the idea that treatment is for adolescents, but taking your child to see an orthodontist is important to make sure child's oral health is on the right developmental track. By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, Dr. Bailey can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
What are the signs that my child may need to visit Dr. Bailey?
- Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Will my 7 year old have to get braces right away?
At this early age orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but early examines can determine when it will be best the time to start treatment. Your child may have an examine at age 7 and be asked to return periodically for growth check until we believe it is an optimal time for treatment.
Why can't we wait, what are the benefits of early treatment?
Some of the most direct results of early treatment are:- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Don't worry if your child is older than seven it's not too late for a check-up, especially if you or your family dentist notice a problem. However, the earlier you detect oral problems now and later treatment can be shorter and less involved. Have any questions about early intervention or want to bring your child in for a consultation? Give us a call today.
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