Orthodontics for Children: Early Care for Lifelong Smiles
At Orthodontic Partners, we specialize in orthodontics for children, helping young patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. While there’s no specific age to begin treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting an orthodontist around age seven. By this age, children typically have a mix of baby and adult teeth, making it easier to identify and address potential tooth and jaw problems early—often avoiding the need for surgery.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic care provides significant advantages by guiding the development of your child’s teeth and jaw. With timely intervention, we can:
- Correct Jaw Growth: Guide the growth of the jaw to ensure proper alignment for permanent teeth.
- Create Space: Make room for crowded teeth, reducing the need for extractions later.
- Adjust Arches: Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches for balanced alignment.
- Address Habits: Correct thumb sucking and other habits that can impact jaw and tooth development.
- Improve Speech: Resolve minor speech issues caused by improper jaw or tooth alignment.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Care
Parents may not always recognize when their child needs orthodontic treatment. Keep an eye out for these common signs that your child might benefit from early orthodontics:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking habits
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw
- Teeth that don’t meet properly or don’t meet at all
- Jaws or teeth that seem out of proportion with the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
If you notice any of these concerns, scheduling an evaluation with an orthodontist is the best way to determine if treatment is needed.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Starting orthodontics for children early allows us to address developmental issues when they’re easiest to correct. By intervening at the right time, we can ensure your child’s teeth and jaw grow in harmony, setting the foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation Today
The team at Orthodontic Partners is dedicated to providing personalized, gentle care for every young patient. Early treatment now can prevent more complex problems later, giving your child a smile they’ll love for years to come.
Contact us today to schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation and take the first step toward their healthy, confident smile!