Early Is Better, Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit

Parents often ask what the best age is for children to be seen by an orthodontist. Many believe that they can't bring their children in to be checked until all of their baby teeth are out...this isn't true.

Treatment in children may start as early as age seven. However, if a parent suspects a problem they may be checked earlier. By the age of seven, unusual jaw growth problems become evident and any bad habits such as thumb sucking, lip biting, mouth breathing or tongue thrusting can be stopped. An Orthodontist can determine if adequate space is available for the larger permanent teeth. Early detection and treatment of these problems prevent more serious problems from developing later on. When orthodontic treatment is initiated early in childhood there are many advantages, such as:

1. Preventing more complicated orthodontic problems from occurring
   
2. Taking advantage of growth at the right time which is essential for success of treatment
   
3. Reducing the possibility of permanent teeth needing to be removed
   
4. Stopping harmful habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
   
5. The rewards of a corrected smile pay off in improved self esteem
   

If your child should suffer from an orthodontic problem, you can rest assured that early recognition and treatment can prevent more serious and complicated orthodontics problems from developing. Through early childhood treatment the following results can be accomplished:

1. Jaw growth can be redirected
   
2. Space can be created and maintained for the larger permanent teeth to avoid unnecessary extractions
   
3. Crooked teeth can be straightened
   
4. Excessively large gaps between teeth can be closed
   
5. Teeth wedged behind others can be repositioned, so as to not wear unevenly
   
6. Bad habits, such as thumb sucking, can be eliminated
   

Today, 25% of orthodontic patients are adults. Most of these adults are being treated for orthodontic problems that could have been treated and corrected during their early childhood... so, one should realize that early detection brings an opportunity to make significant changes that will benefit your child; opportunities which otherwise would be lost.

If you suspect that your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment, have a Certified Specialist examine your child. There is everything to gain! We'll all have something to smile about!