People often correlate dental braces with teenagers and young adults. Yet, children can also develop orthodontic problems that require professional treatment. So when should a child first see an orthodontist?
If you think your child may need braces in Metairie, LA, our team at Maldonado Orthodontics can help. As local leaders in orthodontics, we know how tough it can be to understand when early orthodontic treatment is necessary. Our post below explains what you need to know about the right time to schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment.
When Should Children See an Orthodontist for the First Time?
Orthodontic problems like crossbite, crooked teeth, and dental gaps usually don’t resolve over time without some form of treatment. Yet getting orthodontic treatment as soon as possible is key to addressing progressive problems quickly and preventing years of jaw pain, discomfort, and other complications.
Typically, by age seven, orthodontists can examine children’s primary and permanent teeth and determine if they have or will likely have an orthodontic problem. Though not all orthodontic issues are obvious or noticeable at such a young age, qualified professionals specializing in early orthodontia can make accurate assessments using panoramic X-rays, intraoral exams, and other procedures.
When answering, “When should a child first see an orthodontist?” it’s important to understand why your child may need specialized treatment. If your child has any of the following problems, it may be time to book an appointment with an orthodontist.
Crooked or Misaligned Teeth
People often associate orthodontia with crooked teeth. It’s possible for children to have gaps, teeth crowding, and misalignment as their adult teeth come in.
Children can also lose their teeth too early due to dental decay or trauma, yet their permanent teeth might not be ready to erupt. If that happens, the teeth around the gap may shift.
Poor Jaw Development
By age seven, most children will already have their permanent jaw shape, even though they’re still growing. So an orthodontist can tell if a child’s jaw isn’t developing correctly by this age.
A common childhood orthodontic problem is functional shifting, a form of jaw misalignment that occurs when the jaw moves to the side anytime a child puts their teeth together. This issue can irritate the jaw joints and facial nerves and muscles whenever they move their mouth. Dental misalignment can also cause jaw pain.
Problems Biting and Chewing
If your child is avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy foods because they have difficulty biting and chewing them, it may be time to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. Underbites, crossbites, and overbites make eating certain foods harder.
For instance, eating with an overbite is challenging because the upper teeth extend too far away from the lower teeth. As a result, biting and grinding food takes extra effort and could contribute to pain or discomfort at meal times.
Thumb Sucking
Though it’s common for infants to suck their thumbs to self-soothe, the practice could lead to misaligned teeth and jaws. While many children break out of this habit by age four, some continue well into elementary school age, which can be a problem.
Consistent thumb sucking for too many years can put undue stress or pressure on a child’s upper front teeth and jaw. As a result, those teeth and upper jaw can push outward and alter their bite. Extended pacifier use and finger sucking can also cause this problem that only orthodontic treatment can fix.
Contact Maldonado Orthodontics Today for an Appointment
Now that you know the answer to, when should a child first see an orthodontist, don’t wait to get your child the specialized care they need from our team at Maldonado Orthodontics in Metairie, LA. Our locally owned and operated practice with a board-certified orthodontist has decades of experience caring for thousands of patients of all ages.Whether you’re curious about the effect of braces on speech or want to explore alternatives to traditional metal braces, we can help. Schedule your consultation with us today — call (225) 869-3753 or visit us online to learn more.
