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When you think of the most common age for wearing braces, you probably picture the pre-teen and teen years. Suppose you have spent any time in middle schools or high schools. In that case, you tend to see a lot of kids sporting one of the many orthodontic options available today, including the traditional metal braces and Invisalign aligners. Orthodontic care should start a lot earlier than this, though.

What is the Best Age for an Orthodontic Checkup?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, everyone should have a checkup with an orthodontist no later than seven years old. This is so any potential problems can be spotted as early as possible. Through x-rays and a physical evaluation during the whole process of baby teeth being replaced by permanent teeth, the orthodontist can spot emerging issues before they develop into full-blown problems.

Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, there could be an underlying issue with the bite that only the orthodontist will catch. Don’t wait for your child’s dentist to alert you to any possible problems. They might not always see the more subtle issues that can pop up with jaw growth or teeth movement that an orthodontist is trained to catch.

What Happens at This Initial Checkup?

An early checkup doesn’t necessarily mean that the orthodontist will recommend braces at an early age. At the checkup, the orthodontist may give the all-clear sign and reassure you that your child’s bite seems to be developing fine, or he or she may suggest monitoring your child’s oral health just in case problems do develop. If and when a problem develops, the orthodontist recommends starting treatment. This may mean checking in with the orthodontist at regular intervals in addition to your child’s regular dental appointments. If the orthodontist sees an issue with the jaw or teeth at this initial checkup, he or she will prescribe early treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Early Treatment?

While it may seem like overkill to have your seven-year-old in braces, by treating any development issues early, the orthodontist can help prevent more severe problems from developing further down the line. The orthodontist will also have a chance to help guide jaw growth and tooth movement so that permanent teeth move into the correct position.

Certain issues can be resolved better if caught early, like crossbites which can lead to teeth and bone damage. Also, sometimes early palatal expansion, which widens the maxillary dental arch and the palate so that the upper jaw better matches the width of the lower jaw, can prevent further dental issues and pain down the road.

In addition, because kids are still steadily growing at this age, treatment will be easier and more effective than attempting braces at a later phase of development. Other benefits include less risk of trauma to the mouth that can happen when the front teeth protrude, the ability to nip bad oral habits in the bud earlier, and improving your child’s appearance. Often, jaw issues affect the shape of our faces and how our lips meet.

Each patient is different, so treatment paths will vary. Still, by scheduling an early orthodontic evaluation for your child, you can feel confident that you are doing everything possible for your child’s oral health.

Overall, Oral Health is Important Too

Of course, it is not just the appearance of your child’s teeth that matters, but their overall oral health. That is why besides an early orthodontic evaluation, you should also ensure that your children start having regular dental exams by age one. Those cleanings and evaluations every six months will help prevent cavities and gum disease as well as help you spot any potential dental development issues as early as possible.

Taking preventive measures can really make a big difference. Something as simple as the timing of the loss of baby teeth can have severe implications for your child’s smile development. If your child has lost baby teeth too early, your dentist will recommend your child see an orthodontist to get spacers put in to prevent emerging adult teeth from drifting into these empty spaces. This early precaution could prevent the need for braces once your child hits the pre-teen and teen years.

How Do I Pick the Right Orthodontist?

For the best early treatment, finding the right orthodontist is essential. If you trust your dentist, ask him or her for recommendations, but also feel free to ask family members and friends for recommendations. Besides getting recommendations, also make sure that you do your own research as well. Here are a few things to look for in an orthodontist:

Education and experience: Make sure any orthodontist you choose is board certified through the American Board of Orthodontics and is skilled in all orthodontic techniques. They should be knowledgeable about all the current trends and innovations in orthodontics.

Before and after pictures: Orthodontics is as much artistry as it is science, so being able to see proof of their work is a must. If they don’t display before and after photos on their website, then ask for them when you go in for a consultation.

Good first impression. Trust your gut reaction. You should always set up a consultation with any orthodontist that you are seriously considering. During that first visit, study their chairside manner. Do they and their staff make you feel comfortable and answer all your questions? Is the office clean and modern with all the latest technologies?

Affordable payment options. Orthodontic work is an investment, and you want to get the best price possible. Compare the prices they offer for the different types of treatment and see who offers the best payment plan.

With all the right information in hand, you will be able to make the best decision for your child. It is an important decision, so don’t rush into anything. Take the time to research correctly and feel confident in your final choice.

Need to bring your child in for an orthodontic checkup? Contact Miami Lakes Orthodontics for an appointment.