When should my child see an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child see an orthodontist by age seven. At this young age, most kids will not require any orthodontic intervention. However, there are some children that would significantly benefit from early treatment. Dr. Jones will evaluate your child and let you know if treatment is indicated and explain why it would be beneficial.
How to tell if your child may need early orthodontic treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth by age 13)
- Difficulty chewing and/or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Sucking thumb, finger, or tongue
- Speech impediments
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that don't come together in the front (open bite)
- Top teeth on the inside of the bottom teeth when closed (crossbite)
- Crowded front teeth
