The American Association of Orthodontics recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
At Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics, we know how beneficial preventive care can be, and we find joy in providing care for our young patients. While each child is different—both In physiological development and in treatment needs—our goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time. That’s why it’s important for children to get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. At this point, we can often prevent larger functional problems later in life. Here are seven reasons to schedule an appointment at WAO for your child today.
- Orthodontists can spot and correct subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
- While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be underlying problems that only your orthodontist can detect.
- The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Alternatively, your orthodontist may identify a developing problem. In this case, your orthodontist may recommend monitoring your child’s growth and development, and later, if appropriate, begin treatment at the appropriate time. In other cases, your orthodontist may find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
- Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing. By fixing or improving issues in their early stages, future treatment is often simplified, less invasive and less time consuming.
- In some cases, your orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
- Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:
- lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- guide jaw growth to establish a better bite
- create more space for crowded teeth
- correct harmful oral habits (such as thumb-sucking) and improve minor speech or breathing problems
- improve appearance
- guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
- improve the way the lips meet
- Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Our wonderful staff also will ensure your child has fun during his or her treatment plan.
“Where Teeth Work the Best, They Look the Best!”