Early orthodontic care can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. By identifying issues sooner, treatment is often easier, faster, and more effective. Learn why starting young can make all the difference in your child’s oral health.
The earlier we catch problems with your child’s bite, the simpler they are to fix. The results are often better than if we wait and require less work. We may not need to keep braces on your child for as long when they are younger, which means less expense for you.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist as soon as their dentist notices that there might be a problem, or by age seven. Often, no treatment is needed right away—we may just monitor your child’s development. But starting early means we can act quickly if a concern arises.
Early orthodontic evaluations help us track how your child’s mouth and teeth are growing. We’ll know exactly when to begin treatment if it’s needed, and sometimes, early action can make a big difference.
Why age seven? That’s when the first adult molars usually come in, helping establish the back bite. At that stage, we can evaluate how the bite is developing both front-to-back and side-to-side.
Starting treatment early offers several advantages:
It also often eliminates the need to remove teeth later and shortens the time a child may need to wear braces.
Without orthodontic treatment, certain issues can lead to complications:
With early treatment, your child benefits from:
At our practice, we believe orthodontics go beyond creating a beautiful smile—they help build a healthier future. If you have any questions about early orthodontic care, feel free to contact us today.
