At What Age Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

At What Age Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

There are some uncertainty and confusion that exists regarding the right time that a child should see an orthodontist in Wellesley MA for an initial evaluation. Today we will address some of the more common questions and misconceptions we face with the hope of providing some clarity on the subject.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an initial evaluation with an orthodontist at the age of 7. This appointment is valuable to identify any developing orthodontic issues that may already be present.

Why 7 Years Old?
Around age 6 or 7, some of the permanent front teeth have come in as well as the first set of adult molars, nicknamed the “six-year-molars.” When these key dental breakthroughs are in, an orthodontist in Wellesley MA can identify how a child’s bite is likely to develop over the years.

What kind of orthodontic care might be recommended for my child?
If orthodontic care is recommended for your 7 to 10-year old child, it is referred to as an early treatment or phase-one treatment. The goal of early orthodontic treatment is to correct the issue in less than a year and then periodically evaluate the need for braces later in the early teen years.

The most common types of early orthodontic treatment involve braces on the front teeth, a palatal expander, retainer, or a combination of these.

Surprisingly, some of the baby teeth are actually larger than the adult teeth that replace them. If your child shows signs of dental crowding, a simple space maintainer may be recommended to take advantage of this when the time is right. This can help to curtail dental crowding and tooth crookedness in the adult teeth. 

Does my dentist need to refer me to an orthodontist in Wellesley MA?
No. You do not need a referral from a dentist to see a certified orthodontic specialist. Your dentist will be notified with the findings from the consultation. 

Are my child’s orthodontic needs necessary or purely cosmetic?
An orthodontic consultation can determine the extent of your child’s needs and whether they qualify as necessary for ideal dental function and health or for esthetic purposes. Both are valid reasons to see an orthodontist in Wellesley MA. 

If your child is not happy about the way his or her teeth look, they should see an orthodontist. The ability to smile with confidence and without hesitation during the formative childhood years can make a valuable difference in a child’s quality of life. 

If you still have unanswered questions about the timing of your child’s first visit with an orthodontist in Wellesley MA, please don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation.

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