When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatment could be your child’s key to a brighter dental future. Not only do orthodontic treatments such as braces and clear aligners offer the chance at a more visually appealing smile, but they also make it easier for your child to keep their mouth clean and infection-free.  

When teeth are well-aligned, they’re less likely to wear down, collect bacteria, and need costly dental treatments. 

Hendricks Dental Specialists in Brentwood, Tennessee, offers personalized orthodontic care for children and adolescents. Many parents wonder when to bring their children in for an initial orthodontic consultation. While not all children require orthodontic treatment, some get the best outcome with early intervention. 

The ideal age for a first visit

An initial orthodontic visit offers clarity on the extent of your child’s orthodontic needs and helps you understand what to expect for your child’s future treatment. 

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids should see their orthodontist for the first time around age seven. By this time, they should have lost most of their baby teeth and have plenty of permanent teeth. 

You might detect an imbalance in your child’s bite just by looking at them, but some orthodontic concerns are more difficult to spot. An orthodontist’s trained eye can detect: 

• Underbite
• Overbite
• Crossbite
• Functional shift (a shift in your child’s jaw when they bite down)
• Extra teeth
• Excessive spacing
• Crowding

Your child might not need immediate treatment, but by detecting these issues early, they can start at the optimal time. 

What to expect from your child’s first orthodontic visit

Our team at Hendricks Dental Specialists makes sure your child feels welcome and comfortable when they arrive at the office for an early orthodontic visit. They observe your child’s bite and provide a thorough examination. 

Digital X-rays show a more detailed picture of your child’s mouth and jaw. Our team uses these images to see impacted teeth and other features not visible from the outside. 

If our team determines your child can benefit from braces, expanders, or other devices immediately, we take an impression of your child’s bite. Dental impressions are used to create a molded replica of the teeth. Using the mold, our team can ensure an orthodontic appliance that fits perfectly. 

What’s next?

If your child needs orthodontic treatment, our team creates an individualized strategy and informs you of what to expect. We plan your child’s next visit to place an appliance or apply braces if your child needs them. We also teach you and your child the best practices for taking care of braces and other orthodontic appliances. 

During orthodontic treatment, you’ll visit Hendricks Dental Specialists every 6-10 weeks so our team can monitor treatment, identify any setbacks, and adjust the treatment as necessary. 

Don’t wait too long to schedule your child’s first orthodontic visit. Call Hendricks Dental Specialists or request an appointment online at your earliest convenience.