At What Age is it Appropriate to Visit the Orthodontist for the First Time?

Teeth play an important part in not only eating, but for smiling too. Unfortunately, many children may find it hard to smile and be sociable when they’re self-conscious about crooked teeth. When it comes to health issues, you would normally see a doctor to handle issues as they develop, but what about orthodontic issues?

If you’re wondering what is an appropriate age to make an appointment with an orthodontist in Apopka for the first time, read on to find out more.

At What Age is it Appropriate to Visit the Orthodontist for the First Time?

Usually, a child will not see a dentist until they are over two years old, although some people do bring their child to the dentist before then. You can even go to the dentist right when your child gets their first teeth.

The orthodontist is another thing though. You might have heard that you should wait until they have all their adult teeth. The truth is, even when your child is still losing teeth, you can already visit the orthodontist. 

Around the age of 7 is a good age to see your orthodontist. This is a good age for your orthodontist to identify if your child has any bite issues, if it looks like their adult teeth will come in crooked, and it is a great age to handle issues like thumb sucking or other habits.

By age 7, your child will have enough of their permanent teeth for your orthodontist to really see how their teeth are growing in and if they may need braces in the future.

Benefits of an Early Visit to an Orthodontist

Most people tend to spend a lot of time with their orthodontist when they’re teenagers—usually to get braces. So, why visit the orthodontist as early as 7?

Developing Problems

Seeing your orthodontist when your child is young is the best way to find and handle developing problems before they turn into something more serious. 

Eliminate the cause of the problem early, and since your child’s teeth are still growing in, this is a great age to make sure that your child has the space in their mouth for incoming teeth—before they spend a lot of time in braces.

Easy to Treat Issues

It’s possible to treat some problems much easier than others when you bring your child to an orthodontist early. This includes handling difficult problems such as underbites or crossbites, and gaps or overcrowding between your child’s teeth. 

These types of orthodontic problems are easy to treat at a young age versus removing or altering permanent teeth late in your child’s life.

Improving their Confidence

As your child begins to get older, they may begin to struggle with self-esteem. One of the best ways to help them is to help fix their smile. Braces and adjustments before they get into their teen years can do wonders for their confidence.

Of course, improving any dental issues can improve their speaking ability as well. If your child’s teeth or jaw are not aligned correctly, bringing them to an orthodontist at a young age can improve their speech skills before it impacts them into their teen years.

Conclusion

It’s a good idea to bring your child to an orthodontist early—just like you wouldn’t hesitate to bring your child to a doctor when they’re young. Visiting your orthodontist early can help their confidence, improve their smile, and fix issues before they become more serious. It’s not too early to think about making an appointment with us today so we can help with your child’s orthodontic issues as soon as possible.

Dr. Alan Wong

Dr. Alan Wong is a dedicated orthodontist who loves helping his patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. He is committed to providing gentle, effective care in a patient-centered environment. Dr. Wong is also a strong believer in continuing education, so he can provide his patients with the latest and greatest treatment options.