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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. Early detection of orthodontic problems in children is advantageous because some problems may have better results if the orthodontist has a chance to find and treat them early. Depending on the case, correction of some problems can be more difficult once all the permanent teeth have come in, or when jaw growth is nearly complete. Early treatment may be the best option to prevent more serious issues from developing, and may significantly reduce treatment time and complexity at a later age. |
| Generally, by the age of seven, children have baby (primary) and adult (permanent) teeth. Even if your child’s teeth seem straight to you, orthodontists have studied how to identify problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth that may not be visible to the untrained eye. These problems would be brought to your attention at the initial exam. The initial exam may show that your child’s bite is fine. Or, even if the orthodontist does identify a potential problem, he will most likely recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then if indicated, begin treatment at the right time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist may find that early treatment is beneficial. For the best clinical results, each patient has a unique timeframe that would be most appropriate for starting braces. The orthodontist is trained to determine the best type of treatment and the best time for treatment for each individual. Early detection would be a way for your orthodontist to determine when or if your child needs orthodontic treatment. Either way, an early exam will give you the peace of mind that a professional is monitoring your child’s orthodontic health. If early treatment is recommended for your child, the orthodontist will have the opportunity to provide the following benefits with the most comfort and convenience:
Your child’s teeth may seem straight to you. However to help you determine if your child should come in for an early exam, check to see if your child shows signs of the following:
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