Based upon the advice of the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Fleming recommends that you schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation at the age of seven. At this age, we can assess whether your child will need orthodontic treatment and, if so, when.
For some children, we recommend early treatment or Phase One orthodontics around the age of eight or nine. Early treatment is designed to guide the growth of the jaw and correct certain bite abnormalities. With early treatment, we can also help to create enough room for the adult teeth to take their places, reducing the need for future extractions.
Not every child will need early orthodontic treatment, but there are several indicators that the treatment may be necessary.
Some children develop orthodontic problems due to accidents or unhealthy habits and some inherit them. When we have the opportunity to diagnose and treat these problems at an early age, we can spare children the need for more extensive treatments in the future.
It’s never too late to schedule your child’s first orthodontic visit, but an evaluation around the age of 7 or 8 is strongly recommended. Also, if your family dentist has suggested a visit to the orthodontist, we invite you to contact our office right away. As a team, we will perform your child’s initial examination and then sit down to discuss our findings with you. If you are ready to take the first step towards your child’s healthy orthodontic future, please contact us today.
