The Right Age for Children

When should I have my children assessed?

Orthodontic problems in children are usually apparent by seven to nine years of age when most of the adult front teeth have come through. Some children as early as 5 or six may benefit from an Orthodontic evaluation. Although treatment at this age is not common some children may benefit from preventive measures early on.

What are the early warning signs that my child may have orthodontic problems?

Some of the early warning signs include:

  • Baby teeth not falling out when they should
  • Baby teeth that are lost too early due to decay
  • The top and bottom teeth not meeting properly (Overbite, Under bite)
  • Problems chewing or biting food
  • Crowding of the teeth causing them to be crooked
  • Thumb or finger sucking
  • Jaws and teeth out of proportion to the rest of the face
  • Breathing problems usually mouth breathing
  • Speech difficulties
  • Jaws that shift or make noises

What is preventative Orthodontic treatment?

Preventive orthodontic treatment is intended to keep a bad bite or crooked teeth from developing in an otherwise normal mouth. The goal is to provide adequate space for the permanent teeth to come into. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

Orthodontic appliances may be used to correct jaw growth problems. This process is called dent facial orthopedics which is guiding the growth of the face and jaw. Each child is different. Your dentist will decide which appliance is most appropriate for your child's problem and when is the best time to begin using it.

When should a child begin treatment?

As children grow faster at different ages it is imperative that their treatments are timed for an age when the child is mature enough to cooperate with treatment and also when the bone is growing more rapidly

The optimum age for commencing treatment depends on the specific problem that requires correction. Therefore early examination of the teeth and jaws allows the dentist to detect and evaluate potential problems and plan the best treatment.