The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children aged seven and above should receive an orthodontic screening and evaluation. This initial consultation is important to determine whether treatment is needed at that time or not. It is essential to visit an orthodontist regularly for guidance on growth and to start treatment at the right time in order to avoid any problems in the future. Seeing an orthodontist gives your child the best chance of having straight teeth, a well-functioning jaw and mouth for the rest of their life.
The best way to know if your child needs an orthodontic appointment is to continue regular dental appointments with your child's dentist. However, sometimes there are significant orthodontic problems that an orthodontist must address at a younger age, sometimes before age 10. If the child is ready to use braces, the orthodontist will establish a treatment plan and review it with you, the caregiver. Your family dentist most likely doesn't have the knowledge or experience to perform a comprehensive orthodontic exam. The orthodontist can explain that they still have teeth left to come out or wait for them to grow more in their mouths. In addition to saving time and money, starting orthodontic treatment on time can save your child a lot of pain.
Generally speaking, third, orthodontic treatment becomes more complex as new problems arise with age, including other dental and health issues. Since the orthodontist has addressed your children's dental problems from the start, this means that when they actually put on braces, it will be for much less time than usual. The best age to receive your first orthodontic consultation is usually around seven years old. It's important for an orthodontist to initially evaluate all children before this age, regardless of whether they end up needing treatment or not. Orthodontists are dentists who received 2 to 3 years of specialized training focused on diagnosing and treating orthodontic problems.
