When should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends your child see an orthodontist by age seven. At that age, most kids won't need any treatment yet. But some children benefit a lot from getting started early. Dr. Jones will evaluate your child, let you know if treatment makes sense, and explain why.
Signs your child may need early orthodontic treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (kids usually start losing teeth around age five and have all their permanent teeth by 13)
- Trouble chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Sucking a thumb, finger, or tongue
- Speech difficulties
- Protruding teeth
- Front teeth that don't meet (open bite)
- Top teeth that sit inside the bottom teeth when closed (crossbite)
- Crowded front teeth
