When to Book Your Child’s First Orthodontic Appointment
Many specialists require you to have a referral to make your first appointment, but not orthodontists! You do not need to wait for your dentist to suggest a visit or request an appointment for your child. Orthodontists like Dr. Younis are ready to see your child whenever you are! But how do you know when it’s time to book your child’s first orthodontic appointment at Younis Orthodontics? Let’s find out!
Signs Your Child Needs To See An Orthodontist
It can be hard to know when to see an orthodontist, especially if you’re waiting for your dentist to tell you that your child should see a smile specialist. Fortunately, you don’t need a referral, and there are plenty of concerns orthodontic treatment can fix! If you notice your child has one or more of the following, you should contact us today for a free consultation.
Your Dentist Suggests Removing Teeth
If your dentist believes your child doesn’t have enough space in her mouth for all her teeth, we recommend getting an opinion from an orthodontist before you schedule any teeth removal appointments. We might be able to use braces or a palatal expander to make the space necessary for your child to keep all their teeth.
Your Child is Having Issues Eating
Teeth are crucial to the digestive system. If your child has misaligned teeth and jaws, you might need to pair up with an orthodontist!
Crooked teeth, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, etc can make chewing difficult and uncomfortable. A poor bite can cause a child to avoid foods that are hard for them to chew, and it also limits their diet.
Aligning your teeth and jaws could be just what your child needs to improve their diet and physical health. When the teeth and jaws can function properly, you’ll find mealtimes to be much more enjoyable and beneficial for your child.
Your Child is Having Speech Issues
Spacing issues, like crowding, open bites, and gaps, are very common reasons to see an orthodontist. Not only can they be aesthetically unappealing, but they can also make talking more challenging.
By utilizing orthodontic treatments like braces or an expander, an orthodontist can make more room for the tongue, bring teeth closer together (or farther apart, depending on your child’s needs) to improve speech or assist a speech pathologist who is treating your child.
Your Child’s Teeth and Smile Concern You
Your child’s smile is one of the first things people will notice—it’s a powerful tool for expressing emotions like joy, warmth, confidence, and more. If your child is frequently hiding his smile because he’s unhappy with how he looks or if he is being teased and is upset about what others might think, his smile could be negatively impacting his self-esteem and psychological development.
How? Children who are uncomfortable with their teeth may smile less often or less confidently, causing them to appear less approachable or reserved, even if they’re genuinely friendly and outgoing. In some cases, this self-awareness can develop into low self-esteem and lead to social anxiety or reluctance to participate in events where they’ll meet new people.
Everyone deserves to feel good about their smile. Consulting with an orthodontist is the first step towards making that happen. We are here to support you every step of the way, helping your child achieve a grin that can change their life!
When Should Children See An Orthodontist?
Sometimes, it’s obvious that your child needs an orthodontist. Their adult teeth might not come in where they are supposed to, they might lose too many baby teeth early, or they might complain that opening their mouth to eat, talk, or brush their teeth is uncomfortable. But it’s not always so evident. Oftentimes, there are symptoms that only an orthodontist’s trained eye will spot.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should see an orthodontist for the first time at around age seven, even if you see nothing unusual about your child’s smile. By age seven, most children have a combination of baby and adult teeth, which makes it the ideal time for an orthodontist to evaluate their smile. This early stage allows us to identify current concerns, monitor developing issues, or spot potential problems before they progress. Addressing these issues sooner rather than later can lead to simpler, more efficient treatments compared to waiting until the teenage or adult years, saving your family a lot of time and money in the long run!
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
Don’t wait for your concerns to affect your or your child’s quality of life. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at Younis Orthodontics in Martinsburg, West Virginia, today and discover what treatment can do for you and your family!
Our practice is locally owned and operated by Dr. Younis, so you get all the benefits of an experienced doctor without the corporate overhead. To learn more about us, please check out our reviews, finance & insurance page, and Instagram.