As a parent, you want to make sure your child’s teeth and smile are developing properly. But how do you know when it’s time to see an orthodontist?
Many parents assume they should wait until all of their child’s permanent teeth have come in before scheduling an orthodontic visit. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. An early visit does not necessarily mean your child will need braces. Instead, it gives the orthodontist an opportunity to evaluate how the teeth and jaws are developing and determine whether monitoring or treatment may be appropriate.
For families in Forest Hills and surrounding Queens communities, an early orthodontic evaluation can be an important step toward maintaining a healthy, well-aligned smile.
Why Should a Child See an Orthodontist at Age 7?
Around age 7, children typically have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This stage gives an orthodontist an opportunity to observe how the permanent teeth are developing and how the upper and lower jaws fit together.
The AAO’s recommendation is for an orthodontic check-up, not for every child to begin braces at age 7.
After the evaluation, there are several possibilities:
- Your child may not need treatment.
- Your orthodontist may recommend monitoring growth and tooth development.
- Your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment.
- Treatment may be recommended later when more permanent teeth have developed.
The right timing depends on the individual child and the orthodontic concern involved.
Does an Early Orthodontic Visit Mean My Child Needs Braces?
No.
One of the most important things for parents to understand is that an early orthodontic evaluation does not automatically mean braces.
Some children may simply need periodic observation while their permanent teeth come in. Others may have a developing issue that would benefit from treatment while the jaws and face are still growing.
The AAO notes that early evaluation can help determine whether treatment is needed, when it should begin, and what type of treatment may be appropriate.
This allows parents to make decisions based on their child’s actual orthodontic development rather than guessing when treatment should start.
Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontic Evaluation
Age is only one reason to schedule an orthodontic visit. If you notice something unusual about your child’s teeth, bite, or jaw development, you don’t necessarily need to wait until age 7.
Some signs that may warrant an orthodontic evaluation include:
Crowded or Overlapping Teeth
If your child’s permanent teeth appear crowded, overlap one another, or don’t seem to have enough room to come in, an orthodontist can evaluate how the teeth are developing.
Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
The timing of losing baby teeth can vary, but losing teeth unusually early or late may sometimes affect how permanent teeth develop. An orthodontist can monitor the transition from primary to permanent teeth.
Overbite, Underbite, or Crossbite
The way the upper and lower teeth come together is an important part of orthodontic development.
An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other bite irregularity may be something an orthodontist should evaluate.
Difficulty Chewing or Biting
If your child regularly has difficulty biting or chewing, an orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether tooth or jaw alignment is contributing to the problem.
Mouth Breathing
Frequent mouth breathing can be associated with certain orthodontic and developmental concerns. If you notice persistent mouth breathing, it is worth discussing with your child’s healthcare or dental professionals.
Teeth Coming in at Unusual Angles
Sometimes permanent teeth don’t have enough room to erupt normally or begin coming in at an unusual angle. An orthodontist can evaluate whether there is enough space and whether the developing teeth are following an appropriate path.
Jaw Shifting or Bite Changes
If your child’s jaw appears to shift when they bite down or the way their teeth fit together seems unusual, an orthodontic examination can help identify whether there is a developing bite concern.
Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation Can Be Helpful
The purpose of early orthodontic care isn’t simply to start treatment as soon as possible.
Instead, early evaluation allows an orthodontist to identify developing problems and determine the appropriate timing for treatment.
Some orthodontic problems may benefit from intervention while a child is still growing. For example, certain bite problems, crowding, or jaw-development concerns may be easier to address at particular stages of dental and facial development.
In other cases, the best approach may simply be to monitor the child’s growth and wait until a later stage.
What Happens During a Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
Parents sometimes worry that an orthodontic consultation will be uncomfortable or that their child will immediately need braces.
In general, the first visit is an evaluation.
The orthodontist may examine:
- The position of the teeth
- The way the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Jaw development
- The eruption of permanent teeth
- Tooth spacing and crowding
- Overall facial and dental development
The AAO explains that the first examination is designed to identify whether an orthodontic problem exists, discuss possible treatment options, and determine appropriate timing.
At Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates, the practice describes its children’s initial examination as an evaluation of the child’s bite, developing jawbones, and primary and permanent teeth. If no problem is identified, the practice may recommend periodic monitoring as the child’s teeth continue to develop.
When Should Children Actually Get Braces?
There is no single age when every child should get braces.
The timing depends on the child’s dental development and the type of orthodontic problem.
Some children may benefit from treatment while they still have some baby teeth. Other children may be better candidates for treatment after more of their permanent teeth have erupted.
That’s why an orthodontic evaluation is useful even when your child isn’t ready for braces yet. The orthodontist can monitor development and recommend treatment at the appropriate time.
Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates notes that children may be evaluated around ages 6 to 9, while treatment timing is determined according to the child’s individual development and orthodontic needs.
Early Treatment vs. Waiting
Parents often ask whether it is better to treat an orthodontic problem immediately or wait.
The answer depends on the specific condition.
Early Treatment May Be Considered When:
- A developing bite problem needs attention
- There is significant crowding
- Permanent teeth may not have enough room to erupt
- Jaw development requires monitoring or guidance
- A tooth is developing or erupting in an unusual position
- Certain oral habits are affecting dental or jaw development
The AAO explains that some children benefit from early treatment, while others can safely be monitored until a later stage.
Monitoring May Be Appropriate When:
Sometimes an orthodontist identifies a potential concern but determines that immediate treatment isn’t necessary.
In that situation, periodic visits allow the orthodontist to observe how the teeth and jaws develop and determine when treatment, if any, should begin.
What If My Child Is Older Than 7?
It’s not too late.
The AAO recommends an initial orthodontic check-up no later than age 7, but children who are older than 7 can still benefit from an orthodontic evaluation. Many children begin orthodontic treatment between ages 9 and 16, depending on their development and treatment needs.
So if your child is 8, 10, 12, 14, or older and has never seen an orthodontist, there is still plenty of reason to schedule an evaluation.
Choosing an Orthodontist in Forest Hills, NY
When choosing an orthodontist for your child, look for a practice that can evaluate your child’s current dental development while also considering future growth.
Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates provides orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults in Forest Hills. Dr. Emanuel Mizrahi specializes in orthodontics and provides treatment options based on each patient’s individual needs.
Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates: Emanuel Mizrahi, DDS is located at 110-35 Jewel Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375.
Give Your Child’s Smile a Healthy Start
Your child doesn’t need to have obviously crooked teeth to benefit from an orthodontic evaluation.
An early visit can simply provide information and peace of mind. If everything is developing normally, your orthodontist can continue to monitor your child’s growth. If a concern is developing, identifying it at the right time can help your family understand the available options.
If you’re looking for a child orthodontist in Forest Hills, NY, consider scheduling an orthodontic evaluation to learn how your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw are developing.
Ready to learn more about your child’s orthodontic needs? Contact Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward a healthy, confident smile.