**This post has been sponsored by myKIDSdds to bring you this experience!**
It’s important to start your child’s dental visits early. But what about a visit to the orthodontist? When is the best time to start taking your child? Do they need regular visits? Do they really need braces? myKIDSdds helps set the record straight and answers your most pressing questions!
When does my child need to see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends having an orthodontic evaluation when the upper and lower front four permanent teeth have erupted. The average age this occurs is seven. This does not mean your child will need orthodontic treatment at this age.
But my child’s teeth are straight. Do they still need to see an orthodontist?
Even if these front permanent teeth appear straight, an evaluation is still recommended. Straight teeth are not necessarily an indicator that there is no need for orthodontics. While braces can be done for esthetic reasons and do result in an esthetically pleasing smile, our primary concern is function. Making sure the upper and lower teeth meet correctly reduces the amount of wear on the permanent teeth and the stress on the temporal mandibular joint (TMJ). This will result in fewer problems as an adult.
Do all kids need braces?
No. The orthodontic evaluation may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. However, the orthodontist may identify a developing issue. Often it is recommended to monitor the child’s growth and development to determine the appropriate age to begin treatment.
At what age do they start braces?
The time for starting treatment is not based on age but on heredity which determines their dental development. Typically, braces start once all baby teeth have fallen out.
Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
In some cases, the orthodontist may determine that your child would benefit from early intervention. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. It is easier to correct issues and achieve desired results while the face and jaw are still developing. Early treatment can give your orthodontist the chance to: guide jaw growth, lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth, correct harmful oral habits, improve appearance and guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position. If treatment is delayed until after the jawbones have finished growing, it may result in the need for surgical intervention.
Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile. Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal it to provide treatment tailored to your child’s needs at the right time!
For more tips on preparing for a positive dental experience check out our blog post here! If you’d like to schedule an office tour, patient appointment or if you have any questions regarding pediatric dentistry, please don’t hesitate to send or office a message or give us a call at (469) 535-6810.
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