At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. This early evaluation allows Dr. Alexis Polczynski to assess if and when orthodontic treatment may be needed, ensuring the most effective timing for care.
Many dentists in our community are trained to recognize orthodontic concerns early and may refer children to Oak Tree Orthodontics before age 7 if they notice any potential issues.
Why Are Children Evaluated at Such an Early Age?
Early diagnosis and treatment offer several benefits, including:
Guiding erupting teeth into proper positions.
Preserving space for permanent teeth.
Reducing the risk of injury to protruding front teeth.
When early treatment is necessary, Dr. Alexis can improve jaw position and manage the alignment of permanent teeth. Early intervention may also:
Regulate the width of the upper dental arch.
Create space for incoming permanent teeth.
Reduce the risk of impacted permanent teeth.
Correct habits like thumb-sucking.
Address abnormal swallowing or speech issues.
Early treatment simplifies later orthodontic care and supports optimal dental health and growth.
Does Early Treatment Benefit All Children?
Not all children require early treatment. Some orthodontic issues are better addressed during the teen years when all permanent teeth have erupted. Certain skeletal problems may also need to wait until growth is more advanced or completed.
At Oak Tree Orthodontics, each child’s treatment plan is customized based on their unique needs. If immediate treatment isn’t necessary, patients are enrolled in our Acorn Smile Squad to ensure timely care when needed. However, an initial evaluation around age 7 is always recommended.
Beyond a Beautiful Smile: Additional Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic care offers numerous functional benefits, such as:
Improving bite alignment and tooth function.
Enhancing the ability to maintain oral hygiene.
Preventing excessive wear on teeth.
Supporting the long-term health and longevity of natural teeth.
Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces Later?
Early treatment can address significant problems, prevent more severe issues, and simplify future orthodontic care. However, because permanent teeth may not yet have fully erupted, additional alignment is commonly needed during adolescence.
A shorter, comprehensive treatment, Phase II, with full braces is typically required to complete the correction. In some cases, no further treatment will be necessary.
Should We Continue Seeing the Family Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes, regular visits to your family dentist are essential during orthodontic treatment. Braces and other orthodontic appliances require extra effort to clean teeth and gums. To ensure the highest level of dental health, we recommend scheduling check-ups and cleanings every six months with your family dentist throughout the course of orthodontic care.
