When you think about braces, what age person do you typically think of? Teenagers, right? It is true that adolescence is a great age for orthodontic treatment, but starting earlier is the key. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic appointment by age 7!
Why Seven?
It may seem early to bring your child to the orthodontist when they do not even have all their permanent teeth. But guess what – that is exactly why it is a great time to get started at our office. By allowing Dr. Erika Campbell to examine your child at this age, she can diagnose any potential problems before they happen. Early appointments can catch common issues like problems with bite and overcrowding.
Prevention is Key
A major benefit to early visits is the ability to prevent complicated orthodontic problems that may occur down the road. Early visits allow us to check how your child’s teeth are coming in and how their jaw is developing. This is the first step in building your child’s individual treatment plan and determining the best time to start treatment.
Checkups or Treatment?
Depending on your child’s individual needs, the doctor may want to monitor their growth with checkups. Or, they may benefit from early treatment if their needs are a little more complicated. Some kids will need to wear an orthodontic appliance at a younger age to get their mouths ready for braces. Early checkups and treatment can potentially shorten treatment times and prevent the need for more intensive or uncomfortable procedures in the future. And bonus – avoiding long treatment periods and complicated procedures can save you money!
Phased Treatment
If it is determined that your child needs early treatment, they will enter what we call phased treatment. Their early procedure might mean wearing partial braces or other orthodontic appliances for a period of time – which would be Phase 1. After this initial step, your child will go into a Resting Phase, where they won’t need any official treatment, but will still need to be monitored from time to time. Phase 2 is where they will be fitted for braces and eventually finish their orthodontic journey.
Healthy Smiles Start at Seven
Schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment by age 7 to start them on their ideal orthodontic path. If your child has already turned 7 or is older and has not seen an orthodontist, now is the perfect time to contact us. Our entire team is here to help your child achieve their most beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.
