It’s common to find many orthodontic patients who are adults or teens. But if you’re a parent, you may be wondering what the best age is to seek orthodontic services for your child. Generally, early orthodontic treatment offers a wide range of benefits, but you also need to consider other factors before deciding the best age to begin orthodontic treatment. Read on to discover what you should know about orthodontics.
What Do The Experts Say?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the best age to start receiving orthodontic treatment is when a child is around age seven. This is when most orthodontic problems start. For instance, according to the American Dental Association, abnormal bites are often noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, which explains why orthodontic treatment is often recommended between ages 8 and 14. During your child’s orthodontic evaluation, the orthodontist will carefully examine the developing teeth, gums, and jaws to ascertain if there are any issues that need to be fixed. So going with what the experts say, the right age for seeking orthodontic services is when your child is seven years old, moving forward.
Signs That Your Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment
A wide range of potential issues can develop as your child’s teeth and mouth grow. As a result, orthodontic treatment is recommended to treat common orthodontic issues, such as underbite, crossbite, overbite, crowded teeth, and an abnormal number of teeth. If you inspect your child’s mouth, it might not be obvious that they are developing these issues. However, a trained and expert eye can catch these issues before they become serious, which is why you’re encouraged to schedule an appointment with your child’s orthodontist as soon as possible.
The Benefits of Early Treatment
One of the biggest benefits of seeking orthodontic services at an early age is that hidden issues can be discovered early and fixed in time. This early treatment ensures the best lifelong oral health for your child. In addition, by preventing more serious issues from developing, you can avoid a hefty medical bill. Your child’s orthodontist will be skilled at recognizing the early signs of orthodontic problems, such as bite gapped teeth and bite misalignment. They’ll also monitor the growth of your child’s teeth as the permanent teeth begin to arrive.
This information will help you decide the best age to seek orthodontic services. If you need additional advice to help you make an informed decision, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation!
