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When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist? Age & Timing Tips

Most parents are not fully educated about the significance of early orthodontic care for their kids’ dental well-being. It’s important to make them realize the benefits of initial intervention for their kids’ overall oral health. Many parents often take their children to the pediatric dentist for regular care. However, they did not take them to visit an orthodontist, generally not when they were small. We understand that, as parents, you always want the best for your kid. Sometimes, you might not realize what that is due to a lack of knowledge about these facts. In a situation like that, it’s best to consult with a professional to make sure your child gets what they need.

Thanks to modern dentistry, there are multiple ways to treat any kind of orthodontic issues your kid might have. Taking proactive steps will make the entire procedure easier and provide results in record time. If your child really needs alignment care, then there will be some signs. In this blog, find out the symptoms you should look for that indicate that your child needs professional orthodontic treatment from our Alexandria Orthodontist.

What’s the Right Age for Children to See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. However, some signs highlight your kid’s misalignment issues. Here are the symptoms:

1. Your Child Has a Noticeable Overbite or Underbite

When your upper teeth protrude ahead of your lower teeth, you have an overbite. If that’s the case for your child, then it’s time to see an orthodontic practitioner. The majority of people have some overbite, but this misalignment can lead to a number of problems. This includes issues such as dental decay, jaw pain, headaches, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, difficulty sleeping, and even trouble speaking.

2. Your Child’s Teeth Are Gapping or Overlapping

In the field of orthodontics, excessively crowded and spaced-out teeth are quite prevalent issues. It is best to be proactive and develop a treatment plan before crowding or spacing becomes a serious problem. If you notice your child facing either of these issues early, you should take them for their first orthodontic checkup.

3. Your Child’s Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing can seriously harm teeth, even if this indicator may not appear like an orthodontic problem. Now is a wonderful time to see your orthodontic service provider if your child is constantly breathing abnormally. It’s not okay if the air is going straight into their lungs instead of via their nose. As we already know, alignment issues often bring other problems.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Orthodontist

People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic procedures like braces and Invisalign. Don’t worry if your child is older than seven; you may still make an appointment whenever you’d like. The primary distinction between younger and older patients is that children’s and teenagers’ jawbones are still developing. Whether your child needs braces or Invisalign, at Perfect Smiles Orthodontics, we provide all kinds of treatment options. So do not waste any more time and schedule an appointment with our orthodontist for professional care for your kid’s alignment issues.

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