When you think of your child’s oral healthcare needs, you likely only think of a pediatric dentist. While a dentist is crucial to maintaining the health of your child’s teeth and gums, they’re not the only medical professional who can help with that—orthodontic groups like Saddle Creek Orthodontics are also essential for the health and happiness of growing children. To learn when the best age to start orthodontic treatment for kids is, we must first let’s look at when a child should see an orthodontist.
When Should Your Child See An Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children should see an orthodontist at age seven. Though it sounds young, it’s actually the ideal time for children and orthodontists to team up, even if your child doesn’t express any of the symptoms in the “Why Could A Child Need Orthodontic Care?” section below.
Think of it like planting a tree. If you notice it’s leaning a bit, it’s easier to straighten it when it’s young and flexible, right? Similarly, our teeth and jaws are more adaptable when we’re younger. That’s why our Memphis orthodontists agree with the AAO’s early smile assessment age. Due to their mix of adult and baby teeth, age seven is the perfect golden opportunity for spotting and correcting potential issues.
Why Should They See An Orthodontist So Young?
You’ve likely seen people of all ages with orthodontic gear, like your child’s friend with braces, your teen niece with braces, or your coworker with Invisalign. If so, you might be wondering, “Why should rush them to see an orthodontist at age seven if treatment can happen at any time?”
That’s a great question! The answer lies in how a child’s bones develop. At a young age, the jawbone is still growing and undergoes a natural process called bone remodeling, where bone tissue continuously reshapes itself. This makes improving more complex teeth and jaw misalignment cases much easier than treating the same case in the teen years, when the bones have begun to settle.
Does An Early Evaluation Mean Braces Right Away?
Not necessarily! Just because your child sees Dr. Kyle or Dr. John at age seven doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to start orthodontic treatment immediately.
For most children, this early first appointment is simply a check-in to monitor their growth and development. However, some kids may benefit from early intervention (Phase 1 orthodontics), which can help:
- Guide jaw growth to improve facial structure
- Create space for incoming permanent teeth
- Correct harmful habits like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing
- Reduce the chances of more complex treatment later
If no treatment is needed yet, your orthodontist will continue to monitor your child’s progress and recommend the right time to begin care if necessary. It’s all about timing and prevention!
Why Could A Child Need Orthodontic Care?
- Mouth Breathing: If your child has a tendency to breathe through their mouth, they might be a perfect candidate for orthodontic treatment. Misalignment of the teeth and jaw can cause narrow nasal passageways, which can make breathing through the nose difficult. Correcting this is important, and not just to prevent your child from being called a “mouth breather.” Nasal breathing is the body’s natural way of taking in air. The nose filters, humidifies, and warms the air before it reaches the lungs, supporting overall respiratory health. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, bypasses these benefits and can lead to various respiratory issues over time.
- Jaw Misalignment: Overbites and underbites are just some of the common misalignments that your child may have that could require orthodontic treatment. If not treated, the misplacement of your child’s jaw could cause difficulty breathing, eating (chewing and biting), talking, and performing oral hygiene.
- Spacing or Crowding: Gaps between teeth or overcrowded teeth shouldn’t be ignored, and not just for aesthetic reasons. Plenty of mental, physical, and oral health concerns can be traced back to poorly spaced teeth, including low self-esteem, subpar oral hygiene habits, and an increased risk of choking, just to name a few.
- Losing Baby Teeth Too Soon: While it can be exciting for your child to reach milestones early, losing baby teeth sooner than expected isn’t something to be celebrated. It, unfortunately, allows too much room in the mouth for adult teeth to erupt, so they’re more likely to be crooked, crowded, or have gaps. Your child might need orthodontic care to help their smile develop as healthily as possible.
- Prolonged Pacifier Use: Many of our team members are parents themselves, so we know how hard it can be to get a child to give up the pacifier or stop sucking their thumb. If your child used their pacifier or sucked their thumb for longer than their pediatrician recommended, they might need to see an orthodontist. These habits can influence the way the mouth develops during those critical years. Luckily, this can be reversed or minimized with the proper care.
- Snoring or Sleep Apnea: Does your child snore or frequently wake up feeling like they didn’t sleep at all? They might suffer from a malocclusion that is making it hard for them to breathe at night.
So, What Is The Best Age For Kids To Start Treatment?
With all this in mind, it’s time to finally tell you the best age to start orthodontic treatment for kids. Drum roll, please!
The best age to start orthodontic treatment for kids is whenever your orthodontist suggests!
Wait, wait, don’t click away! Let us explain.
Despite the best time for an evaluation being age seven, it’s not necessarily the best age for all children to begin treatment. That’s why there is no “set time” for every child in need of braces, space maintainers, a palatal expander, or other orthodontic tools, to receive them. If Dr. Kyle or Dr. John of Saddle Creek Orthodontics advises treatment for your child, it’s best to start at the time detailed in their treatment plan, whether starting now or in their teen years.
Just like snowflakes and fingerprints, all smiles and smile needs are different. The only way to know when to start treatment is to see an orthodontist, and that’s why an evaluation at age seven is essential. You don’t need to wait for your child’s dentist to refer you—in fact, we don’t recommend waiting for a referral because your family dentist might not always recognize orthodontic issues—and you shouldn’t assume their smile is fine. Many concerns are invisible to the untrained eye.
Together, We Can Help Your Child Smile Confidently.
At Saddle Creek Orthodontics, we love helping families in Germantown, Collierville, and the greater Memphis area achieve confident, healthy smiles and straight teeth. Whether your child is approaching age seven, already seven, or well into their teen years, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our complimentary smile assessment gives you expert insight into your child’s smile at no cost and with zero pressure.
Every child deserves the opportunity to be set up for long-term smile success. Schedule your child’s free consultation today!