When Should A Child See An Orthodontist?

We all know adults in their 20s, 30s or older who have started orthodontic treatment. But you may not realize that children should be evaluated for orthodontic treatment as early as possible.

When a child is six years old, the first permanent (adult) molars begin to appear. And that’s when an orthodontic evaluation should be conducted to look at how the teeth are aligned and to make sure there is enough room for this tooth as well as the other molars that will eventually emerge.

Usually orthodontic treatment should start around 9 to 14 years old. That’s when all the permanent teeth are in. But early treatment can begin when the child is 7 or 8 years old. This might be necessary because a child has a cross-bite, which means that when the mouth is closed, the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth. Another reason is if there is crowding, which refers to the fact that the upper and/or lower jaws are too small for all the permanent teeth. By managing these and other problems at an early age, it may reduce the risk of surgery or having teeth removed, and can lead to the child wearing full braces for less time. Several years later, typically when the child is 12 or 13, the dentist will complete the alignment of the jaw and teeth.

Some signs that your child may need early orthodontic treatment include: thumb sucking beyond age five, protruding upper or lower teeth, your child shifts their jaw when they open or close their mouth, the front teeth are crowded, difficulty biting or chewing, breathing mostly through the mouth rather than the nose, or snoring or grinding teeth

Want a more beautiful, straighter smile?  Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Farinas-Han at Smiles by Bergen Dental! Smiles by Bergen Dental is conveniently located in Midland Park New Jersey, within minutes from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Paramus, Ramsey, Allendale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, and Franklin Lakes.