As a parent, you want your kids to be happy, healthy, and safe.
Part of providing for them means making sure to meet their medical needs. Your child’s dental needs are just as important as other parts of their medical needs. But many parents aren’t sure when their child may need certain dental checks.
We often get asked when is the right time to see your dentist about your child getting braces. This article is all about orthodontics, choosing the right age to have your child’s teeth examined for possibly getting braces, and what early warning signs to notice.
What is a Good Age for My Kid to Visit an Orthodontist?
For all dental work, it can be tough to give a specific age. Early preparation is typically better, get your kids checked out early and often to make sure their oral health is on point. That being said, the American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that children should see an orthodontist before they turn 8 years old. This age gives the specialist a chance to discover any habits that have led to incorrect alignment, blocked airways, and other issues.
So we would recommend having your children checked out by their 7th birthday.
Now let’s go over some of the warning signs that point out a need for braces.
1. Losing Baby Teeth Too Early or Too Late
Watch out for any drastic difference in when your children lose their baby teeth. Too early or too late is a bad sign. Look for your children’s baby teeth to come in between ages 1 and 3. Around 6 years old is when they will begin to lose these teeth in prep for their adult teeth. If your children still have their baby teeth around age 13, there might be an issue.
2. Misaligned Jaw or Bite Habit
Orthodontics could help with a misaligned jaw or an improper bite habit your children may have. Some of these issues include:
- Overbite - when the upper teeth extend beyond the lower teeth
- Underbite - when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth
- Open bite - there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth
3. Long Habits of Thumb Sucking or Mouth Breathing
Good habits like regular teeth brushing can be beneficial, whereas others can cause problems. Thumb sucking and mouth breathing can both lead to oral health issues. If your children are past the age of 4 and still do either, they may have issues with their teeth or jaw.
See an Experienced Dentist or Orthodontist for Children’s Braces
Some problems blindside you while others you can see coming. If you notice any of the problems that may lead to misalignments in your children’s teeth or jaw, it is time to take them to see a specialist. The experts at Signature Smiles Dental can examine your children and lay out your options for you. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.