Orthodontics for Children

The American Association of Orthodontists says that kids should go to the orthodontist around the age of seven.

By this age, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which makes it easier for the orthodontist to find and fix problems with their teeth and jaws without having to do surgery.

Orthodontic treatment started early enables your orthodontist to:
  • Correct and guide your child’s jaw development to aid in the eruption of permanent teeth.
  • Regulate the top and lower arches’ widths
  • Increase the amount of space available for crowded teeth
  • Avoid having to have permanent teeth extracted later in life
  • Correct thumb sucking and assist in the resolution of minor speech difficulties

It’s not always simple for parents to tell whether their child needs orthodontic treatment.

Here are several warning signs that your child may need to consult an orthodontist:
  • Baby teeth that fall out early or late.
  • Having difficulty chewing or biting food
  • Breathing via the mouth
  • Sucking one’s finger or thumb
  • Teeth that are crowded, misaligned, or occluded
  • Jaws that pop or create noise as they open and close
  • Teeth that are excessively spaced or do not come together at all
  • Jaws and teeth that are disproportionately large in comparison to the rest of the face
  • Around the age of seven or eight, you may notice that your front teeth are crowded.

To make an appointment for an orthodontic examination, please call our office. Early treatment can ensure that your child has a healthy, attractive smile in the future.