When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s initial orthodontic evaluation occur by age seven – the time when adult teeth are erupting. At Omaha Orthodontics, we evaluate how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing to determine the best time for orthodontic treatment. We can tell if your child will benefit from early treatment, as many potential problems may not be visibly apparent until prevention is too late. Beginning treatment at this optimal time not only ensures the greatest result but also means less time and expense down the road.
Not sure if your child would benefit from an orthodontic evaluation? Omaha Orthodontics is here to answer any questions you may have about the process!
Signs That Your Child Needs an Orthodontic Assessment
Treatment at this early stage may not even be necessary. However, it is especially important to schedule a screening with our orthodontist if you notice any of the following conditions in your child:
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting food
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Jaws that “pop” when opening and closing
- Misaligned teeth that close abnormally or without touching
- Jaws and teeth that are not in proportion to the rest of the face
What Is the Benefit of Early Treatment?
While parents don’t need to rush into obtaining braces for their young children, some oral health issues can be avoided with early screening and treatment, including:
- Open bites – When the upper and lower teeth are unable to physically touch each other when the jaws are closed
- Crossbites – when the two rows of teeth don’t meet correctly. A misaligned bite can cause tooth decay, gum disease, stress on the jaw muscles, headaches, and more.
- Speech impediments – When your child’s teeth are not positioned properly, certain speech issues like a lisp, slurring words, or mispronouncing consonant sounds can result.
- Injury to protruding teeth – Genetics and certain childhood behaviors like thumb sucking and tounge thrusting can result in protruding teeth. Protruding teeth make your child more suceptible to dental trauma, but can be addressed and corrected through early evaluation.
Our Process
When your child comes in for their complimentary appointment, our team will perform a thorough evaluation of their smile and bite. This will allow our experts to determine which type of treatment will be best suited to their needs. We will also take the time to educate you and your child on what to expect from treatment, plus answer any questions you may have prior to beginning treatment.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Orthodontists
Ready to get started? Schedule your complimentary smile consultation with our Omaha orthodontic team by calling us or using our convenient online contact form. During your visit, we’ll discuss your goals, take digital X-rays, complete a comprehensive exam, review your treatment options, and answer any questions about our technology, payment options, and care.
