The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven, or as soon as their dentist identifies potential issues. At this age, the first adult molars are coming in and helping establish the bite. We can then evaluate your child’s bite, both front-to-back and side-to-side. While treatment may not be necessary at this young age, early monitoring allows us to observe your child's growth and development closely. By monitoring the alignment of your child's erupting teeth, we can identify any issues that may require correction and determine the optimal time to begin treatment. Early intervention can be incredibly beneficial, as it enables us to address developing problems sooner and without surgery. Dr Courtney Martusiewicz is committed to providing the right treatment at the right time for your child.
Does My Child Need Early Treatment?
For parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment around the age of seven. Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to schedule an appointment with us:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Airway evaluation
Please contact our office to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
