When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

In general, Dr. Shih recommends that your child see him by age 7. This allows him to catch orthodontic issues in their early stages and plan treatment accordingly. While you may be aware that your child is in need of orthodontic care, it can be tricky determining the right time to call our office. The good news is that our orthodontist in Greater Jacksonville, FL, is ready to help!

This guide will help you understand when your child should visit Dr. Shih for an orthodontic evaluation. It’ll also explain what signs you should look out for as a parent.

The Ideal Age for the First Orthodontic Visit

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states that children ought to have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. At this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which allows the orthodontist to identify any potential issues early.

Early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean treatment will start immediately but can help in planning for future needs.

Signs That Your Child May Need Orthodontic Care

There are several indicators that your child may benefit from seeing our orthodontist in St. Johns, FL. Some of the common signs include:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth: This can make it difficult to clean teeth properly and can lead to cavities and gum disease.
• Bite issues: Problems such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can affect chewing, speaking, and overall oral health.
• Early or late loss of baby teeth: If your child loses baby teeth earlier or later than the average age range, it could impact the alignment of their permanent teeth.
• Difficulty chewing or biting: This can indicate a problem with how the teeth are aligning.
• Mouth breathing: Persistent mouth breathing can be a sign of orthodontic issues.
• Thumb sucking or other oral habits: Prolonged thumb sucking or the use of pacifiers beyond the age of 4 can affect the development of the teeth and jaw.

The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation

Early orthodontic evaluations offer several benefits:

• Timely detection of problems: Early identification of issues allows for simpler and more effective treatment.
• Guiding jaw growth: Early treatment can help guide the growth of the jaw to accommodate all permanent teeth properly.
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth: Children with prominent front teeth are at a higher risk of dental injuries.
• Improving appearance and self-esteem: Addressing orthodontic issues early can enhance your child’s appearance and boost their confidence.
• Enhancing speech development: Proper alignment of teeth and jaws can aid in correct speech development.

What to Expect During the First Visit

During your child’s first visit to the orthodontist, you can expect the following:

• Comprehensive examination: The orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, mouth, and jaw.
• X-rays and photographs: These tools help our St. Johns orthodontist understand the position of the teeth and roots, and identify any underlying issues.
• Discussion of treatment options: If any issues are detected, our orthodontist will discuss potential treatment options and the best time to start.

Talk with Dr. Shih About Your Child’s Options

Ensuring your child sees an orthodontist at the right time can significantly impact their dental health and overall well-being. By age 7, an initial evaluation can help detect problems early and set the stage for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Keep an eye out for the signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice to ensure their dental development is on the right track.