Lots of people have braces as teenagers, so you may think that your child doesn't need to see an orthodontist until they're older. But that’s not true! Younger children can benefit from getting orthodontic care early, particularly if there are issues with their oral development. So, when should your child see an orthodontist for the first time? Find out in this blog from Sweetwater Pediatric Dentistry.
Your Child Should See An Orthodontist By The Age Of 7 Years
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that kids get an orthodontic consultation by the time they're seven years old, and this is our recommendation at Sweetwater Pediatric Dentistry, too.
Why seven? Because your child’s first set of adult molars erupts around the age of six. And after this time, their baby teeth will start to fall out and be replaced by the rest of their adult teeth.
If your child has orthodontic problems or issues with their oral development, these will usually start to become obvious around this time. And if you bring your child to an orthodontist when they're young, their orthodontist can develop a plan to improve their oral development with phase 1 orthodontics.
What Is Phase 1 Orthodontics? Early Intervention For Young Kids
Phase 1 orthodontics refers to a family of orthodontic treatments that are meant for young children who do not yet have all of their permanent teeth. There are lots of different treatments that are intended to do things like:
- Guide proper jaw growth
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits (bad swallow, tongue thrusting, etc.)
- Direct permanent teeth toward the appropriate spaces
If your child has orthodontic problems, phase 1 orthodontic treatment is very important. It’s a lot easier to adjust your child’s bite and tooth position when they are young. And when used properly, it can dramatically reduce or even eliminate the need for future “phase 2” treatment, such as braces.
What Is Phase 2 Orthodontics? Orthodontic Treatment For Permanent Teeth
“Phase 2” orthodontic treatment is what you may think of when you think of orthodontics. This type of treatment is used to move the permanent teeth into their proper positions, and could include braces, Invisalign, and more.
Since it’s only meant to move permanent teeth, phase 2 orthodontic treatment usually begins at the age of 12-13, which is when most kids will have all of their adult teeth.
Need An Orthodontist In National City Or Chula Vista? Contact Us Today!
Even if you don’t think that your child will need orthodontic treatment, seeing an experienced orthodontist for a consultation is a good idea. And the team at Sweetwater Pediatric Dentistry is here to help.
With our team of experienced orthodontists in National City and Chula Vista, your little one will be in good hands. So contact us online today to schedule your little one’s first visit, and get the comprehensive dental care they need for a healthy smile as they grow.
