The way that a child’s teeth develops will have a direct impact on the way that their adult teeth erupt and become permanently placed. That’s why many dentists recommend that children undergo orthodontic therapy.
Even if you think your child may not have orthodontic issues, they should have their mouths evaluated by an orthodontist by the time they’re 7 years old. Your dentist in West Mobile is here to help parents understand when orthodontic therapy may be needed and how it can help their child’s mouth in the future.
Why should my child see an orthodontist by the time they’re 7 years old?
There are many cases that prove that children could have underlying structural problems with their jaw or developing teeth that just aren’t visible to the untrained eye. Dental x-rays and a well-trained orthodontic specialist can help spot potential developmental issues before they can turn into a big issue. This initial orthodontic visit could save your child from undergoing far more invasive and expensive dental treatments later in life.
But why 7 years old? When your child is that young, they have a blend of both baby and adult teeth. As adult teeth continue to come in, your orthodontist can help guide adult teeth into their correct places and reduce the chance for jaw alignment issues. This will help other teeth that develop later on in life erupt without problems.
Even if your child turns out to not need orthodontic treatment, the initial evaluation can provide parents with an outline of what to expect while adult teeth develop from ages 8 to 18.
What are the signs that I need to bring my child to an orthodontist?
Even if none of these warning signs are present, you should bring them in. But, there are cases where children can suffer from these structural issues even earlier than 7 years old. Here are some signs to look for:
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Jaw growth and alignment issues
- Excessive thumb or finger sucking
You know how important it is to have healthy, beautiful, straight teeth. Why wouldn’t you want your child to benefit from a gorgeous, strong smile? Visiting your orthodontist at an early age can help them get a jumpstart on straightening teeth, aligning the jaw, and correcting bite concerns.
If you’re ready to schedule your child’s orthodontic appointment, simply reach out to your local dental practice.
About Our Office
Giving your child a straighter smile isn’t just good for their confidence, it’ll benefit their oral health, too. That’s why Parker Dental & Orthodontics takes pride in offering traditional orthodontics for young patients and Invisalign for teens. Our highly trained dental professionals understand how the structures of our mouth work, making our practice one of the best local places to receive orthodontic treatments. If you would like to speak to any of our dentists about which orthodontic treatment may be best for your little one, feel free to call our office!