Orthodontic treatment
for children
You may be wondering why the AAO recommends children visit an orthodontist so early. Here’s what we tell our patients.
- Children’s teeth and jaws are very soft, which is why orthodontic treatment is so common among this age group.
- It is easier to move a child’s teeth with less pressure so the overall treatment experience is more comfortable.
But that’s not to say every child who comes in to see us requires treatment. Basically, that early consultation with a specialist orthodontist is a way to future-proof your child’s smile. By the age of seven, the first adult molars are present and this is crucial because they form the back bite. We are able to evaluate the front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships and start to address any issues.
It’s unlikely your child will need to have orthodontic treatment at the age of seven, but it’s the ideal age for the examination and monitoring period to occur.