The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children undergo a complete orthodontic examination once they reach the age of 7. This allows them to look at the child’s teeth and bite and determine if they may be experiencing any issues with chewing, biting, or speaking. Although some of the issues you may be able to detect beforehand (i.e., gapped teeth, crooked teeth, overbite, etc.), others may not be as noticeable. Hear from a trusted local orthodontist who explains when it might be time for your child to begin wearing braces.
What Signs Indicate a Need for Braces?
Whether your child is 7 or 17 years old, braces are a common part of childhood or adolescence. Knowing whether or not they need braces often requires the help of a trusted and qualified orthodontist.
However, if you notice any of the signs listed below, you may want to schedule an appointment to discuss the potential for orthodontic treatment:
- Crowded, misaligned, or missing teeth
- Severe overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite
- Ill-proportioned jaws and teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting down
- Oddly occurring wear and tear of tooth enamel
What Problems Can Form if Left Untreated?
Should you and your child put off orthodontic treatment for any reason, it is possible that more serious issues can develop over time, such as:
- Tooth mobility and tooth loss
- Gum recession
- Advanced gum disease
- Increased tooth sensitivity caused by enamel wear
- Speech impediments
- Inability to eat certain foods
- Poor oral health because of the inability to properly brush and clean teeth
How Old Should My Child Be to Receive Braces?
Having your child undergo regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings at an early age will allow dentists to monitor the development of their teeth and bite. If problems are discovered before the age of 7, then your dentist should know when it is best to refer to an orthodontist.
Once your child meets an orthodontist at the age of 7, you do not need a referral from your dentist to come to the orthodontist for a free evaluation of your child’s developing jaws and teeth. Just call or text us at (847) 548-4330 to schedule an appointment.
Most children do not need any orthodontic intervention at the age of 7, but there are a handful of reasons why it may make sense for a child to have a “phase I” orthodontic intervention.
It is important that they meet with an orthodontist early on. Doing so will ensure that they enter the next phase of life with a healthier smile.
About the Practice
Grayslake Orthodontics is a family-friendly practice that is committed to delivering exceptional results with the help of traditional orthodontics, clear aligners, dentofacial orthopedics, oral appliances, and even special needs orthodontics. Treating patients of all ages, we believe in helping young smiles develop correctly from an early age and offer careful examinations to determine if phase one, phase two, or more extensive orthodontics is required. Visit our website or call us at (847) 548-4330 to learn how we can help your child get the smile they deserve.
