When to Consider Orthodontics for Kids
June 8, 2020 Image Credit:A decade ago, braces were placed on teenage teeth and the occasional adult. But these days, kids seem to be getting orthodontic treatment earlier and earlier! Many parents wonder when is the right time to bring their child in for an evaluation. While there isn’t really a catchall answer to this question, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
CONSIDERING ORTHODONTICS FOR KIDS
- If your child’s front teeth came in at a very young age, or if he or she seems to have a full or crowded set of teeth, you should bring them in to be evaluated by Dr. Rhoda Lockett.
- On the other hand, if your child’s teeth seem to be coming in at a normal time and evenly spaced, you may want to consider their “dental age,” which is not necessarily their actual age. It’s entirely possible for a 9-year-old to have the dental age of a 14 or 15-year-old, and vice versa. Dr. Kuhni will be able to make recommendations to you based on your child’s dental age.
- Lastly, the American Association of Orthodontists has officially recommended that children should visit the orthodontist for the first time between the ages of seven and nine. Even if your child still has some baby teeth left, we can pretty accurately predict the growth pattern of his or her permanent teeth.