It’s never too early to start thinking about orthodontics; the American Association of Orthodontists suggests that parents take their children to their first evaluation by age 7. With years of experience helping children start their smile journeys young, Dr. Adam Miller recommends getting your child familiar with the orthodontist’s office before they lose all their baby teeth. Here are the top 7 reasons why your child should visit the orthodontist by age 7:
Spacing/Crowding
You’d be surprised to discover that orthodontists can detect common issues such as spacing and crowding as early as age 7. Some factors that may cause this are jaw growth irregularities or an imbalance between jaw size and teeth. Dr. Miller can diagnose these issues early on, making it easier to correct them with minimal treatment using appliances such as braces or retainers.
Alignment
At Orthodontic Associates, we use advanced technology to evaluate your child’s teeth and jaw alignment, which can affect how their adult teeth grow, and what that means for their oral health. Evaluating the bite and misalignments will help Dr. Miller determine the best treatment for your child’s needs.
Overbites/Underbites
Overbites occur as a protrusion of the upper teeth over the lower, and an underbite results in a protrusion of the lower teeth over the upper. Dr. Adam Miller is experienced in pediatric orthodontics and can easily spot the early signs of these common bite issues. While your children would only start treatment once all of the adult teeth have grown in, spotting these while they’re young helps plan ahead and reduce the chances of needing more serious procedures, such as corrective jaw surgery.
Crooked Teeth
While crooked teeth may not seem like a big deal when your kids are still growing, they can become more serious dental issues with time. Early orthodontic treatment helps to create more space for adult teeth and helps reduce the chances of overcrowding. In addition, straightening out any crooked teeth is much easier to do at an early age due to the malleability of their bones and gums.
What causes these orthodontic issues early on?
A variety of factors can cause pediatric orthodontic issues. It could be the result of the following:
- genetics
- thumb sucking
- grinding or clenching teeth
- premature loss of baby teeth
While these do not always guarantee orthodontic issues, they are good indicators that you should take your child to see an orthodontist to ensure their oral health is on track.
What your children can expect on their first visit
Taking your child to their first appointment prevents teeth from becoming crowded and crooked later in life. On the first visit, Dr. Miller will thoroughly evaluate your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. Depending on the case, he may need to take X-rays and impressions of the teeth to collect information. After evaluating the results, he will provide you with a detailed diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan for your child’s needs.
Don’t wait – Orthodontic Associates is here for you!
We understand how important it is to start orthodontic care at a young age and are committed to providing effective and gentle treatment in one of our kid-friendly offices. Please book an appointment with one of our offices to get started on your child’s oral health journey.
We look forward to meeting you and paving the way for a healthy smile into adulthood!