The Best Age to Start Considering Orthodontics
As a parent or guardian, you want the best for your child’s smile. That means teeth cleanings, infant oral health exams, and more when needed, but when is it time to think about braces? Since it can be hard to tell on your own, our Saginaw pediatric dentist is here to take a thorough look at your little one’s teeth and jaw development so you know when to take action.
Here’s when an orthodontic evaluation is appropriate for most children.
Indicators of Future Orthodontic Treatment
Each time you bring your child into our Saginaw, MI, dental office for a routine six month visit, our pediatric dentist will examine their entire mouth and take note of how their teeth and jaws are coming along based on their age.
When an abnormality is found, such as a , we will discuss the finding with you and determine next steps. There are also several behaviors, that unlike our dentist, you can pick up on outside of the dental office that can indicate a need for . Common examples include prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use.
Other signs that your child would benefit from orthodontics include:
- Premature loss of baby teeth
- Late loss of baby teeth
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking
- Excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth
- A present crossbite, underbite, overbite, or open bite (where the top and bottom teeth don’t meet)
Recommended Age for Initial Orthodontic Exam
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children undergo an early orthodontic evaluation around the time they turn 7 years old. At this age, your child will have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth so an orthodontist can see how they are all coming in and if any orthodontic problems are forming.
Now, if your child is older than 7 and has not yet been evaluated, it’s perfectly normal. While that age is a starting point for early intervention, children can still go in for a check-up if they are 8 or above. However, if more serious dental problems exist, it is best to have an orthodontist take a closer look sooner than later.
Our pediatric dentist can inform you of arising issues regarding your child’s oral health and offer necessary recommendations. Treatable problems are always better corrected while your child is younger so keep this in mind when considering whether to seek out an orthodontist.
How to Approach the First Trip to the Orthodontist
If your child already exhibits dental anxiety when it comes to regular appointments, it should come as no surprise when they seem apprehensive about the idea of . Not to worry, though, as we have a few tips for getting your child ready and having them feel in control while their smile is being evaluated.
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Mainly, you want to lend a listening ear and answer any questions they have in a straightforward way. Do your best to honestly and clearly speak to them as you explain the general overview of the visit. Highlighting every step might seem excessive but it can ease the worries of children just wanting to know what will happen. A guideline to go off of can do wonders.
You can also create a reward system by planning for a fun activity after their appointment. This doesn’t have to be anything extravagant and can be as simple as taking a trip to your local park to play catch or enjoying some ice cream at their favorite place. Here, you can discuss how it all went and see how they’re feeling about potential upcoming treatment.
Ultimately, it’s best to remind your child of why orthodontics can benefit them. The more they understand about the process and its purpose, the better!
What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit
The is all about observation and general discussion. The main objective centers around examining your child’s mouth, teeth, and jaws.
During the appointment, you can expect that X-rays and likely digital impressions will be taken of your child’s mouth to give the orthodontist an idea of the issues at hand and how they can be remedied. Your child will also be asked to bite down so the orthodontist can see how the top and bottom teeth come together.
If orthodontic treatment is needed, you’ll be briefed on every detail so both you and your child know what to expect. Our pediatric dentist will work with the orthodontist throughout your child’s treatment to ensure their teeth are kept clean and healthy as corrections are made.
An orthodontist will also go over the following with you:
- What the key issue is and why it’s important to fix
- Whether tooth extraction or another type of oral surgery is needed
- The length of treatment
- How much treatment will cost and available payment options
Get the Braces Conversation Going
Sometimes smiles need a little help straightening out – there’s no shame in it! Our , can guide you through the process of getting your child started with orthodontic treatment and provide a referral to a local office. Call Great Lakes Bay Pediatric Dentistry today at (989) 792-9201 to request an appointment.
