TRANSPARENCY AND COMFORT ARE OUR HALLMARKS
When Should You Consult With An Orthodontist?
Ideal Age for a Child’s First Orthodontic visit:
What is an orthodontist?
Orthodontists are specialized dentists who work to bring the teeth and jaws into their ideal position for optimal oral health. They have 2-3 years of additional training after their doctorate to perfect this skill (Dr. Kuzmic attended a 3-year program).
It is very common for children and young teens to visit orthodontists to monitor or correct complications with emerging permanent teeth. Though a child may visit the orthodontist at any time, the elementary years serve as a prime opportunity for early orthodontic intervention.
Even though orthodontics is traditionally performed on adolescents, an increasing number of adult patients are seeking to improve their smile and bite through orthodontic treatment.
Why 7 years old? That seems young!
It is, and most children will not start treatment until they are 11-13 years old. However, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a first visit at the age of 7 because many future orthodontic issues can be identified at this time and planned for. An orthodontist may be able to pinpoint potential issues with crowding, alignment, protruding teeth, under-bites and more.
If a child does require intervention at this age, it is because Dr. Kuzmic has identified that not intervening would cause issues with your child’s jaw growth or tooth eruption.
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT MY CHILD MAY NEED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
Only your child’s pediatric dentist can determine whether he or she should consult with an orthodontist about possible treatment. However, there are some signs that your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment:
- Teeth that overlap
- Jaws that click or ‘pop’ when opening and closing
- Difficulty chewing
- Facial asymmetry
- Mouth breathing
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Difficulty with speech
- Thumb or Tongue Habit
WHAT TYPES OF TREATMENTS WILL MY CHILD’S ORTHODONTIST USE TO CORRECT MISALIGNED TEETH?
Orthodontists often use special appliances, such as braces, to bring a child’s teeth and jaws into proper alignment. Mouth appliances are custom-fitted and may be fixed or removable. In some cases, an orthodontist may recommend that certain teeth be removed to facilitate treatment.