Starting at age 7, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children first be see by an orthodontist. It allows the orthodontist to start treatment at the optimal time, monitor the child’s oral growth while the face and jaw are still growing, guide permanent teeth as they erupt, and simplify treatment.
Here are signs to look for in your kids, which would indicate it’s time to see the orthodontist:
1) Early or late loss of baby teeth
2) Difficulty in chewing or biting
3) Finger sucking or other oral habits
4) Crowded or blocked out teeth
5) Jaws that shit, make sounds or protrude
6) Protruding teeth
7) Grinding or clenching
8) Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
9) Speech difficulty
Early screenings allow the orthodontist to start treatment at the time that is best for the child. Learning early means less complicated and less costly treatment later. Feel free to contact our office with any questions you might have about orthodontic health screenings.
