Orthodontics are most often considered an adolescent treatment, but your child should start orthodontic care well before the teen years. Early exams have many benefits that ensure your child enjoys not only a beautiful smile, but also a lifetime of oral health.
Generally speaking, the best age for your child’s first orthodontic examination is around seven to eight years old. The goal of the exam is to evaluate how well your child’s teeth and jaw are developing as adult teeth start to emerge. Even if your child still has baby teeth or a perfect smile, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an exam around this early age.
Early Orthodontic Exams Monitor the Teeth and Jaw
Even if your child’s adult teeth are coming in perfectly straight, the upper and lower jaw bones are still developing. The two jaws don’t grow at the same pace. A child’s upper jaw may stop developing around eight years old, but the lower jaw continues to grow as long as the rest of your child’s body is also growing.
Benefits of Pre-Adolescent Orthodontic Exams
Pre-adolescent orthodontic exams offer many benefits that may prevent more advanced treatments in the future. Namely, the orthodontist can identify issues as they start, such as misalignment of the jaws and teeth. If a problem is found, it can be addressed while the bones are still developing.
Orthodontic Exam for Children
An orthodontic exam for children is similar to a regular dental exam. A handheld mirror is used to check the alignment of the teeth and jaw. The exam also includes opening and closing the jaw to look for problems. X-rays may be used to evaluate tooth development beneath the gums. It’s important for your child to feel relaxed during the exam, so spend some time explaining what an orthodontist does, and how it differs from a dental exam. Mention that the exam is not about the cleanings and cavity treatments at the dentist, but to help your child develop a beautiful smile.
Orthodontic Treatments for Children
Orthodontic treatments for children are necessary at times. The goal is to prepare your child’s jaw and teeth for braces and other services in the teen years. Full orthodontic treatments are not necessary for children because the jaws are still developing.
Do Some Children Need Orthodontic Exams Even Earlier?
There are some signs that parents should monitor for that indicate your child needs to see an orthodontist.
- Crowding as adult teeth erupt through the gums
- Trouble speaking clearly, chewing, or biting
- Misaligned bite
- Crooked teeth
- Clenching or grinding
- Breathing problems when your child’s mouth is closed
- Popping or shifting of the jaw when it is opened and closed
- Slow loss of the baby teeth, or baby teeth that are lost earlier than expected
- Trouble sleeping or snoring
- Tooth contact with the roof of the mouth or cheeks
Learn More About Orthodontic Services for Children
Savage, Sabol, & Visser Orthodontics specializes in orthodontic exams and treatments for children, as well as teens and adults. Contact us today to learn more about our orthodontic services for young patients. We will schedule a consultation with Dr. Savage, Dr. Sabol, or Dr. Visser. For your convenience, we have five office locations in the Virginia Beach are – Hilltop, Strawbridge, Kempsville, Bayside, and Eastern Shore.
