When should my child have an orthodontic screening?
Orthodontic care isn’t just about straightening teeth—it also addresses how your child’s bite, jaw, and dental arch are developing. By having an orthodontic screening at the right time, you can catch potential issues early and plan for treatment before they become more complex.
Dental professionals recommend that children get their first orthodontic screening around their 7th birthday. Around this time, the child’s first permanent molars and incisors typically cut through the gums. The presence of these teeth help orthodontists evaluate facial growth and bite.
Why Get an Orthodontic Screening?
An orthodontic screening can help:
Identify malocclusions (bad bites) such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowding, or spacing.
Guide jaw and dental development to ensure proper alignment as your child grows.
Address harmful habits like thumbsucking or prolonged pacifier use that affect oral development.
Reduce treatment time and cost by catching problems early, often simplifying future orthodontic work.
Orthodontic Treatment
While not all screenings will result in treatment, possible solutions include:
Palate expanders. These devices widen the upper jaw to fix crowding that results from narrow arches. They can reduce possible extractions, bite problems, and future need for surgery for correction.
Orthodontic intervention. A dental professional may recommend braces, aligners, or retainers.
Tooth removal. Baby teeth or impacted teeth can harm incoming adult teeth. Removing them will improve the positioning for the incoming teeth, reducing the likelihood that orthodontic intervention will be needed in the future.
Conclusion
Age 7 is a great guideline; however, some children may need a screening earlier or later. It is best to talk to their dentist for recommendations depending on each child’s situation.
Wondering if it’s time for your child’s first orthodontic screening? Reach out to My Ogden Dentist. We can help prepare your child for orthodontic treatment and keep their teeth healthy in the meantime!