Why Your Child Should See An Orthodontist by Age 7

By Guest Blogger Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg

As a mom, you’re probably already aware of how important regular dental visits are for maintaining a happy smile. But did you know that along with regular cleanings and check-ups, orthodontic evaluations can play a key role in your child’s oral health?

Since many people associate orthodontics with teens in braces, you may not even be aware that these early exams are an option. As orthodontists, we actually see patients of all ages, including younger children. We’re here to tell you that it’s never too early to take an interest in the health of your child’s smile!

As a matter of fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of seven. This gives orthodontists the chance to evaluate a child’s mouth while it’s still developing and diagnose any potential issues before they become more serious. In doing so, we’re able to take a “watch and wait” approach or explore age-appropriate treatment if necessary.

With this kind of preventive care, there are several issues an orthodontist will be checking for during an orthodontic evaluation. Let’s look at some of the most common ones!

Noticeable crowding or excessive spacing—Spacing problems can show up when a tooth is lost prematurely, where one has never developed, or with teeth that are too small or spaced apart. When crowding is the issue, it can often be corrected with treatment like expanding the arches or removing certain teeth.

Unusual tooth loss patterns—Because the primary teeth tend to fall out in a fairly specific order, any significant deviation from this pattern could signify a developmental issue that requires further attention from an expert orthodontist.

Missing or extra teeth—Most children will have at least four permanent molars and up to four permanent incisors by the time they’re seven years old. Any more or less than this could indicate a problem with missing, crowding, or extra teeth.

Misaligned teeth or jaws—Crooked teeth can be difficult to brush and floss effectively. They’re also more susceptible to uneven wear and tear. Over a long enough period of time, this can affect both the shape and position of the surrounding gum tissue. Aligning teeth when children are younger can help prevent some of that excessive wear and tear, giving them a head start on a healthy smile!

Early orthodontic evaluations are one of the easiest ways to help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile! If issues are left untreated over a long enough period of time, there is a significant risk for growth asymmetries, periodontal and bone issues, impacted teeth, premature wear or fracture of teeth, and more. A simple consultation with Dr. Davis or Dr. Goldberg can save time, discomfort, and money by confirming no issue exists or correcting issues early before they can become problematic.

This kind of preventive care can reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment as an adult, as well. If further treatment does become necessary at a later date, it often takes less time and is more efficient.

Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics does not require a dental referral and we offer FREE consultations for all new patients. We make it simple and easy for you and your child to get all the information you need for an early orthodontic evaluation! Call today at 336-887-3168 to contact our High Point office or 336-292-6265 for our Greensboro location. You can also schedule a consultation by visiting our website at davisgoldbergorthodontics.com. Make sure to follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/DavisGoldbergOrthodontics.

• Sponsored by Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics

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