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When Should
Orthodontic Treatment Begin?
Each person is unique, so there is no one answer. However, untreated
orthodontic conditions can get much worse.
Get An Early Evaluation No Later
Than Age Seven.
The American Association of Orthodontists
recommends that a child's first visit to an orthodontist
should take place when an orthodontic problem is first detected.
Depending on the nature of the problem, whether it is a jaw growth
problem, tooth problem or both, this first visit could take place
as early as age 2 or 3, as the primary teeth erupt.
Whether or not an orthodontic problem is detected, however, a
child should visit an orthodontist for a checkup no later than age
7. This may surprise you because orthodontic treatment is usually
associated with adolescence. Although treatment will not necessarily
begin at this early age, an examination is very important to
ensure the maximum dental health for your child and if necessary,
establish the best timing for orthodontic care.
The following early warning signs may indicate that your
child should have an orthodontic examination:
- Early or late loss of teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Lip biting or other oral habits
- Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Speech difficulty or tongue-thrusting
- Biting the cheek or on the roof of the mouth
- Protruding or "bucked" teeth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Facial imbalance
- Jaws that retrude, protrude or go to the side
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Teeth and jaws that don't look right
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