As a parent, it can be difficult to know if your child needs orthodontic treatment and when would be a good time to start. A good rule of thumb is to follow the recommendations from the American Association of Orthodontics®, which lists 7 years as an acceptable age for children to receive their first exam.
Early Orthodontic Screening
When a child reaches the age of 7, they are starting to lose those precious baby teeth in exchange for their permanent teeth, losing you a few quarters or dollars along the way. When bringing in your child during this stage for an early orthodontic screening with our team at Shirck Orthodontics, our orthodontists will check to see if their teeth are growing in properly.
If Dr. Jeff, Dr. Soo or Dr. Betina does recommend starting early orthodontic treatment, we will talk with you about a personalized treatment plan to give your child the healthy and confident smile they deserve.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Treatment
Not sure how to tell if your child needs to see an orthodontist? Watch to see if your child has any of the following signs:
- Crowded front teeth
- Difficulty chewing meals
- Misalignment with their jaw and teeth
- Habit of excessive thumb sucking
- Loss of baby teeth too early or late
Whatever the case may be for your child, receiving treatment early can save your wallet in the future.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Bringing your child into our office for early orthodontic treatment can benefit your child in many ways. Early orthodontic treatment can:
- Form facial symmetry through directing jaw growth
- Allow erupting teeth to have more room
- Save space for teeth waiting to erupt
- Help avoid the need for tooth extractions
- Cut down on treatment time
We are here to help your child have excellent oral health and a beautiful smile, both now and in the future.
Give us a call today to schedule a FREE consultation for your child at Shirck Orthodontics and learn more about pediatric orthodontics in Pataskala, New Albany, Westerville, Newark and Powell, Ohio.