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When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

Many parents wonder when they should start taking their children to see an orthodontist. The answer might surprise you: Earlier is better! Even though we tend to think of teens and preteens when we think of orthodontic treatment and braces, the truth is that your child should have their first orthodontist check-up much earlier. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist “no later than age 7.” Here at Younis Orthodontics, we first see children when they are between 7-9. Here’s why.

Early Detection

Even if your child’s teeth look fine, an orthodontist check-up can reveal problems or potential problems that you aren’t aware of. Becoming aware of these issues early will save you time and money in the long run. There may be ways to correct the problem that would be much harder to deal with once your child’s jaw has fully developed.

Familiarity

Scheduling orthodontic check-ups early gives your orthodontist the time to familiarize him or herself with your child’s needs. Just as every child is different, every jaw and set of teeth is different. Your orthodontist can monitor any potential problems he or she sees developing, and in some cases these problems can be avoided, or treated much more cheaply and easily than it would be when your child is older.

Early Treatment

As we’ve mentioned above, a young child may require orthodontic treatment. Some treatments that your orthodontist may find necessary include guiding jaw growth to prevent more serious problems down the line or correcting bad oral habits. Children usually do not get braces until they have lost most all their baby teeth, but early treatment means that they may not need more extensive treatment when they get older.

Peace of Mind

You may schedule an appointment and learn that your child’s teeth are fine. But this doesn’t mean that you’ve wasted time or money. On the contrary, you can now rest easy knowing that your child’s oral health is on the right track and you’ve done everything you can to ensure they grow up with a beautiful and healthy smile.

At Younis Orthodontics, we realize that orthodontic treatment can be a financial concern for many families. First-time patients at Younis Orthodontics get a free initial consultation that assesses any orthodontics needs they may have and an estimate of how much any treatments will cost. Schedule your child’s first appointment on our website.