For Children

Orthodontics for Children

While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist for the first time around age seven.

By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner.

Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:

  • Improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaw
  • Correct crossbites/improve coordination between the jaws
  • Improve the eruption paths of the permanent teeth
  • Eliminate harmful habits that can adversely affect the growth of the jaws, such as thumb sucking
  • Create additional space for the teeth to erupt
  • Improve conditions that may affect self esteem such as excess spacing and protrusion of the teeth

For parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment.

Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:

  • Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • A hard time chewing or biting food
  • Chronic mouth breathing
  • Finger or thumb sucking
  • Excessive spacing
  • Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
  • Protruding front teeth
  • Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
  • The presence of an underbite

Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.