Most of the time when you think about braces, you think about teenagers. But did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7? Yep. That’s right. Seven years old is the prime time to bring your child in for their first orthodontic evaluation.
Why Age Seven?
Chances are that age seven sounds pretty early for an orthodontic appointment. After all, a seven-year-old doesn’t even have many of their permanent teeth yet, right? Right. And that’s exactly why it’s the best time! By evaluating a child’s mouth before their permanent teeth erupt, our EPIC orthodontists can see potential problems before they happen. Problems with a child’s bite or overcrowding are common issues that can be seen during these early visits.
Preventing Problems
In some cases, early orthodontic visits can help prevent orthodontic problems down the road. Your orthodontist will be able to see how your child’s teeth are coming in and their jaw is developing. This information will help them be able to begin building your child’s individual treatment plan and know when the optimal time to begin treatment will be. Some younger children may need to wear orthodontic appliances to help prevent problems. Other kids may need yearly checkups to monitor growth and tooth development. In addition to potentially shortening treatment times, early appointments can sometimes prevent more intensive or uncomfortable procedures. And because early orthodontic appointments can sometimes make treatment less complicated, that means it can also save you money!
Lifelong Smiles Start at Seven
As a parent, we know that you only want the very best for your children – not only now, but throughout their whole lives! Bringing your child to EPIC Orthodontics by age 7, is the key to giving them the lifelong smile they deserve. If you have a child that is nearing age 7 (or that is older than that and hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet) contact us today. We’re excited to help your family see the beautiful smiles that early orthodontic treatment can provide.
