Visit the Orthodontist by Age 7

Parents may think children don't need to see an orthodontist until their permanent teeth come in completely, which could mean the early teen years. But some problems develop between ages 6 and 12, as the child's permanent teeth erupt. And by quickly identifying such problems, you can reduce their severity and prevent early damage. Doing so also can eliminate or reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic work later on.⁴ That's why the American Association of Orthodontists suggests an orthodontic checkup no later than age 7.³

Signs that your child might benefit from braces or other orthodontic work include:²

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Trouble chewing or biting

• Mouth breathing

• Thumb or finger sucking

• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth

• Jaws that shift or make sounds

• Speech problems

• Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth

• Teeth that meet badly or not at all

• Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face

Early orthodontics can enhance your child's smile and improve appearance and self-esteem. Pediatric orthodontics can straighten crooked teeth, guide permanent teeth into better positions, correct bite problems, and even prevent the need for tooth extractions.¹

¹ "Early Orthodontic Care." American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/earlyortho.asp. Accessed 2009.

² "Early Warning Signs Indicating it is Time for an Orthodontic Exam." American Association of Orthodontists. http://www.braces.org/learn/When-Should-I-Start.cfm. Accessed 2009.

³ "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)." American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/braces_faq.asp. Accessed 2009.

⁴ "Oral Health Topics A-Z." American Dental Association.
http://www.ada.org/public/topics/braces_faq.asp. Accessed 2009.