In the know for You to Know

As parents we love that cute adorable stage when our child’s teeth are white picket fence perfect.

Then they start losing their baby teeth and their adult teeth start coming in and they don’t look as perfectly positioned. 

When you talk with some other parents they’re saying the same thing but some are making appointments to have their child examined by an orthodontist.

You know your child’s dental check-up is coming up and you think to yourself that you’ll bring it up then. 

Today we’re breaking down the basics on when a child should be evaluated for possible braces. 

Braces Evaluation For Children, Helping Develop A Healthy Smile

For children (and adults) oral health is a window into their overall health.

Potential orthodontic treatment can be an important part of your child’s oral health care. Teeth that are correctly positioned make for confident smiles as well as eating and chewing properly.

Starting Early

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7, or when a potential problem is recognized.

It’s important to remember there is a big difference between an orthodontic consultation and actually beginning orthodontic treatment.

So Why Age 7?

This is because around the age of 7 years old, children have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth.

An examination with an orthodontist at this age provides a lot of information. If a problem exists, or if one is developing, then the orthodontist can advise you on what treatment is recommended, when it should begin, and estimate how long it will last.

However, if you notice something, it’s not necessary to wait until your child turns 7 years old.

Should Your Child Be Evaluated For Braces? Signs To Check For

The first step is to look inside your child’s mouth.

A few things to look out for ~

• Crooked teeth,
• Too many teeth in a too small mouth,
• Difficulty flossing and brushing,
• Frequently biting the inside of their cheek,
• Jaw discomfort or a clicking sound when chewing or jaw pain upon waking,
• Losing baby teeth early or late,
• Adult teeth coming in early with no room or coming in late,
• Problems with chewing food,
• An underbite, An overbite, A deep bite,
• Mouth breathing,
• Thumb or finger sucking,
• Missing teeth or extra teeth.

3 Reasons Why This Matters

1. Losing Baby teeth either too early or too late can cause problems for the permanent teeth to come into your child’s mouth.
2. How teeth come together is important for the life of the tooth. In what is considered “a good bite” the outside surface of the upper teeth prevent the cheeks from getting caught between the chewing surfaces with the bottom and top back teeth. If the teeth aren’t matched up, this can cause constant cheek biting and prevent a child from wanting to eat.
3. Bite problems can over time also lead to jaw problems such as pain, clicking, popping, or locking.

What Is The Purpose Of Evaluating My Child’s Bite When They’re So Young?

Parents want their child to have healthy teeth and a good bite. To have this means that they need to have 2 things, good tooth alignment and good jaw position.

4 Benefits Of Early Braces Evaluation

1. Starting at an earlier age can help avoid more complicated and lengthy treatments when a child is older.
2. Most children will have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, so the way their permanent teeth come in can be evaluated and potential issues can be addressed such as a cross-bite, crowding, or impacted teeth.
3. Proactive steps can be an advantage for younger children to correct issues as their jaws grow utilizing interceptive treatments such as palatal expanders.
4. A beautiful smile can boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence.

What Will I Learn From A Consultation With An Orthodontist?

The orthodontist will examine your child and discuss with you when it will be best for your child to begin treatment as well as the type of treatment they are recommending.

Each child has their own specific individual treatment needs. For some children starting early when they still have baby teeth may be best for them. Other children may benefit from some extra growing time and waiting until they’ve lost their baby teeth. Some children may wait until they have all their adult teeth to begin braces.

Depending on your child’s needs, they may be evaluated every 6 months or 1 year to watch their growth and development progress to take advantage of their natural growth.

Why Would An Orthodontist Recommend Early Treatment?

Early treatment is a proactive and valuable way to address some issues so they don’t become more involved long term problems.

4 Reasons An Orthodontist May Recommend Early Treatment

1. Create room in a child’s mouth to decrease crowding for adult teeth,
2. Help with facial growth,
3. Preserve space when baby teeth are lost early and adult teeth aren’t ready to come in
4. Decrease trauma risk for protruding top front teeth.

What To Remember

There is a big difference between an orthodontic consultation and actually beginning braces.

An evaluation when your child has a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth doesn’t always mean that they’re getting braces right away. If and/or when treatment is needed, it can begin at the appropriate time for your child.

Do you feel like braces runs in your family? Have you thought to yourself that since you had braces your child will also? Did you want braces as a child but didn’t have them and you want to make sure that your child doesn’t feel the way? Have you thought about getting braces as an adult? Do you have braces now? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook

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