Early vs late treatment

Have you ever wondered what the magic age is for your child to start down the orthodontia path? If you are like many parents, you might assume braces are something we only have to think about when they transition from kids to teens. Here’s why you might want to start looking at them much earlier than you think:

Your child has a crossbite. If your child’s top teeth bite inside the bottom teeth, this can affect the growth patterns of their jaw. In this situation, it is important to begin treatment before your child loses all their baby teeth, which happens between ages 6-12. Waiting too long could lead to irreparable damage.

Your child is self-conscious of their smile. Adolescence is a crucial time for kids to develop their sense of self, and their subconscious perception about themselves affects the way they deal with the world. Your child’s confidence could be positively impacted by early intervention.

Your child has buck teeth. You might think fixing front teeth that protrude out is all about looks — but there are practical reasons as well. For one, pronounced front teeth put kids at risk for knocking their teeth out — severely injuring their mouths or jaws. If your child is physically active, or involved in sports, waiting too long may mean a higher chance of damage.

It may feel like seven years old is too early to think about orthodontics, and while every child’s mouth is different — your pediatric dentist can tell you if it is time for an orthodontic consultation. Thinking about it now might just save you risk and expense in the long run.