As a parent, you’ve got a lot on your plate, from school drop-offs to weekend sports. But there’s one appointment you shouldn’t overlook: an early orthodontic evaluation for your child. Knowing when your child should see an orthodontist is key to getting them the treatment they need, and experts recommend that children schedule an appointment around age 7. So, why does timing matter, and how can an early assessment benefit your child? Let’s explore!
What Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
An early orthodontic appointment is a simple and stress-free checkup with an orthodontist, typically when your child is around 7 years old. It’s not about getting braces right away—in fact, most kids don’t need immediate treatment. Instead, this visit is a proactive way to assess your child’s dental development and identify any potential issues before they become bigger problems.
During this evaluation, your orthodontist will check how your child’s teeth are growing, how their jaws align, and whether there are any habits—like thumb-sucking—that could be impacting their smile. It’s a chance to get ahead of potential concerns and make a plan to ensure your child’s dental health stays on the right track.
Your best bet is to schedule that first consultation with us as soon as possible, and you can get started by booking here.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluations
You might be wondering, “Why so early? My child still has baby teeth!” Well, there are several key benefits to having an orthodontist take a look sooner rather than later.
Prevent Bigger Issues Later
Catching potential problems early on can help prevent them from turning into bigger, more complicated issues. For example, if your child has a misaligned bite or crowding, intervening early can guide the growth of their jaw and teeth to avoid surgery or extensive treatment in the future. Think of it as a “course correction”—one that can save your child from years of discomfort down the road.
Create Room for Proper Development
Early evaluation allows the orthodontist to identify whether there is enough space for your child’s incoming permanent teeth. Sometimes, a child’s mouth may be too small to accommodate all their adult teeth, leading to crowding. By catching this early, your orthodontist can recommend options like spacers or expanders to create room, making future treatment less complicated and more effective.
Boost Your Child’s Confidence
If your child has visibly crooked teeth, an overbite, or a noticeable gap, it can sometimes affect their confidence, especially as they get older. Early orthodontic intervention can address these issues at a younger age, helping your child feel good about their smile while minimizing potential teasing or self-consciousness. And trust us, there’s nothing better than seeing your child smile freely without hesitation.
Address Bad Habits
Thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or prolonged use of a pacifier can impact the growth of your child’s teeth and jaw. If these habits continue beyond toddlerhood, they may cause bite issues or teeth misalignment. An early evaluation helps identify these habits and provides strategies to correct them, helping avoid orthodontic complications later.
Create a Personalized Treatment Plan
Every child is different, and an early orthodontic evaluation allows the orthodontist to create a personalized treatment plan based on your child’s unique dental development. The plan might include monitoring your child’s growth over the years or taking steps to start treatment at the optimal time to provide the best results in the shortest amount of time.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
If you decide to bring your child in for an early orthodontic evaluation, here’s what you can expect:
- A Thorough Examination: The orthodontist will perform a detailed exam of your child’s mouth, jaw, and teeth alignment.
- X-rays and Imaging: Sometimes, X-rays or digital imaging are used to get a full picture of what’s happening below the surface, such as the position of permanent teeth that haven’t yet come in.
- Recommendations: You’ll receive recommendations based on your child’s unique needs. Most of the time, this may involve monitoring your child’s growth until it’s time to begin treatment, if necessary.
Signs Your Child Might Need an Orthodontic Evaluation
Even if your child hasn’t reached age 7, there are some signs that may indicate an orthodontic evaluation is needed sooner. Here are a few things to look for:
- Difficulty Biting or Chewing: If your child struggles with chewing their food properly or complains about discomfort while eating, it may be a sign of a bite issue.
- Mouth Breathing: Constant mouth breathing can sometimes indicate that there are structural issues affecting your child’s oral and facial development.
- Speech Problems: If your child has trouble pronouncing certain sounds or words, it could be related to the positioning of their teeth or jaw.
- Crowded or Crooked Teeth: If you notice teeth growing in crooked or overlapping, an early visit to the orthodontist is a good idea.
While you might be able to recognize these issues at home, the best way to know if your child needs orthodontic attention is to schedule a consultation with our team in Citrus Heights. Just call us or book online to get started!
Why Trust Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for Early Evaluations?
Here at Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand that every smile is unique, and so is every child. Our team takes a gentle, kid-friendly approach to orthodontic evaluations. We believe that early intervention is the key to making orthodontic treatment simpler, more effective, and, ultimately, a lot more enjoyable for kids.
Our office is designed with your child in mind, helping them feel comfortable and even excited about their dental visits. Our specialists have extensive experience working with children of all ages, and our goal is to make sure your child’s journey to a beautiful smile is as easy as possible.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get your child on the right track with a free consultation today!
Take the First Step Towards a Healthy Smile
Scheduling an early orthodontic evaluation can set the foundation for your child’s lifelong dental health. By catching potential issues early, you can help your child avoid complex treatments later and make sure they grow up with a confident, healthy smile.
If you’re ready to schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation or if you have any questions, reach out to us at Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Citrus Heights. Our friendly team is here to support you and your family every step of the way. Don’t wait—take the first step towards a healthier smile today!