The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children undergo an orthodontic examination at or around age 7. While most children do not need treatment until most of their permanent teeth have emerged, early screening can determine whether early treatment may be appropriate.
For example, early orthodontic treatment can create a more favorable environment for the emergence of adult teeth, address jaw and dental discrepancies, and correct habits that may adversely impact alignment, function, and/or speech.
We encourage you to have your child evaluated if you notice one or more of the following:
- Thumb or finger-sucking habits
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Misaligned teeth
- Dental crowding
- Early or late loss of primary (baby) teeth
- Facial imbalance
- Protruding teeth
- Biting cheeks or roof of the mouth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Breathing predominantly through the mouth
- Speech difficulties