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Home | Why Should Your Child Have an Orthodontic Evaluation by Age Seven?

Why Should Your Child Have an Orthodontic Evaluation by Age Seven?

GenoaThis guest article is by Marin orthodontist Dr. Don Wilson.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age seven (or earlier if there are indications of a problem).

Why age seven? By the age of seven, most children’s first adult molars have erupted, establishing the back bite. Also, most children’s incisors have begun to erupt so that alignment problems and facial asymmetries can be detected.

Age seven is the best time for an orthodontist to evaluate your child’s bite and jaw relationships, check for functional shifts, and evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. Untreated malocclusions (bad bites) can result in a variety of problems…

  • Crowded teeth—More difficult to brush and floss properly, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease
  • Protruding teeth—More susceptible to accidental chipping
  • Crossbite—May result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear
  • Openbite—May result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments
  • Appearance—Crooked teeth, a poor facial profile, and/or speech impediment can damage your child’s self-confidence and self-esteem

Detecting an orthodontic problem at this early age gives your child a better opportunity for more effective treatment. Intervention while your child is still growing can prevent serious and costly problems later. Just a few of the things an orthodontist can do to improve a bad bite include…

  • Create room for crowded, erupting teeth
  • Create facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
  • Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
  • Preserve space for teeth that have not erupted
  • Reduce the need for tooth extraction
  • Reduce treatment time with braces

Orthodontic intervention may not be necessary for your child at age seven. Your child may not need treatment at all, or your orthodontist may only recommend that your child be monitored. Most orthodontists have special "kid club" programs for children who need to be monitored. Your child gets to have fun with club activities while receiving the benefit of "check tooth eruption" appointments to monitor tooth and jaw development. If treatment is needed, monitoring also allows your orthodontist to begin at the ideal time, when it’s best for your child.

Timely screening increases the chances that your child will have an incredible smile and good health for life. But whether your child’s oral development is perfect, he or she needs monitoring, or immediate treatment, an early evaluation offers a priceless benefit for you, the parent—peace of mind that your child’s oral health is the best it can be.

Dr. Don WilsonDon Wilson, DDS, MSD is an orthodontist in Novato, CA. To become a dentist, Dr. Don attended college for four years, then dental school for three more years to obtain his DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). Then he had two years of post-doctoral, advanced specialty training to obtain his MSD (Master of Science in Dentistry) in orthodontics. Dr. Don has since become a Board-Certified Orthodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists. Visit him online at www.wilsonortho.com or contact his office at info@wilsonortho.com.

 

Comments

Your child's oral health

Dr. Wilson is an amazing orthodontist and would recommend him to everyone!!!

Remember it is also important to bring your child to a dentist by their 1ST birthday!! Check out Novato Pediatric Dentistry at www.thesmilingturtle.com.

Brittney RDA