What Age to See an Orthodontist

Hey there, parents! Let’s talk about a topic that might not be on your radar just yet but definitely should be – your child’s first orthodontic visit.

At Struckhoff & Britt Orthodontics, we believe in starting early to ensure a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.

While it’s true that your children are still rocking their baby teeth at age 7, there’s a whole lot going on beneath the surface. By the time your child reaches this age, their jaw is developing, and their permanent teeth are starting to make their big entrance. This makes it the ideal moment for an orthodontist to take a look and assess how things are shaping up.

You might be thinking, “But my kid’s teeth look just fine!” And hey, they might! But here’s the thing – orthodontists aren’t just there to fix crooked smiles. They’re like the architects of the mouth, ensuring that everything is lining up just right for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Some kids may need early orthodontic treatment, while others may be able to wait until they’re teenagers. By catching any potential issues early on, we can often prevent bigger problems down the road. It’s like giving your child’s smile a head start in the race for dental health.

One big reason why age 7 is so pivotal is that it’s around this time that certain orthodontic problems start to rear their heads. Things like crowding, crossbites, and protruding teeth can become more apparent as your child’s permanent teeth start to come in. By catching these issues early, we can often take simpler, less invasive measures to correct them, saving you and your child from more extensive treatment later on.

Early appointments can mitigate the need for more complicated procedures down the road, saving time and money – and potentially painful procedures. By addressing issues early on, we can often prevent them from escalating into more serious problems, ultimately reducing the need for extensive orthodontic work in the future.

At Struckhoff & Britt Orthodontics, we tailor orthodontic plans to fit your child’s unique needs. After the initial appointment, our orthodontist designs a personalized plan based on your child’s dental and jaw development. Some kids may need immediate treatment, while others may require periodic monitoring until they’re older. Our goal is to provide the best care for a lifetime of healthy smiles, ensuring your child receives the right treatment at the right time.

Plus, let’s not forget about the psychological aspect of it all. By introducing your child to the orthodontist at a young age, you’re helping to normalize the idea of dental visits and setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health habits. It’s kind of like teaching them to eat their veggies early on—they might not love it at first, but it’s for their own good in the long run!

Age 7 is the perfect time to dip your toes into the world of orthodontics at Struckhoff & Britt Orthodontics. It’s a chance to get ahead of any potential issues, set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles, and maybe even make a few new friends along the way. So why wait? Contact us today to schedule that first appointment and let’s get those smiles shining bright!