At BracesBracesBraces, we use an “8 is Great” philosophy, which suggests your child see an orthodontist before the age of 8.
In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. It’s our “8 is Great” philosophy that helps us lay the foundation for a long-lasting partnership with you and your child.
So, why do we recommend that your child see an orthodontist before their 8th birthday?
Early identification and care of orthodontic problems can go a long way toward achieving a beautiful, straight smile in the future. An early orthodontic visit helps us:
- Identify the child’s facial growth pattern early, which allows a greater ability to influence, redirect and move the arrangement of teeth for a straighter smile.
- View the child’s bite — the position of the teeth when the jaws are closed — once first molars have erupted.
- Look for any early signs of crowding as the incisors are erupting.
- Correct a potential orthodontic concern with a simple dental appliance now that may prevent the need for a more complicated or expensive appliance in the future. It may also decrease the amount of time your child wears braces later. Trust us, your child will thank you!
- Develop a lasting relationship with both our patients and their families. It also helps patients become comfortable with our team.
What are some of the early signs of potential future orthodontic concerns?
Early identification is critical in the timing of treatment and parent education. Here are a few early signs that can help you to determine if the time is right to schedule an orthodontic consultation for your child. These include issues with bite, crowding, spacing and protrusion.
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Underbite
Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth when back teeth are closed
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Protrusion
Front teeth protrude, or stick out.
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Anterior Crossbite
A crossbite affecting the front teeth where one or more top teeth sit behind the bottom teeth.
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Posterior Crossbite
A crossbite affecting the back teeth where the upper teeth sit inside the bottom teeth.
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Open Bite
Front teeth do not meet when back teeth are closed.
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Deep Bite
Upper front teeth significantly overlap bottom teeth.
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Crowding
Teeth are rotated or displaced because of lack of space.
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Spacing
Visible gaps between teeth due to excess space.
-
Underbite
Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth when back teeth are closed
-
Protrusion
Front teeth protrude, or stick out.
-
Anterior Crossbite
A crossbite affecting the front teeth where one or more top teeth sit behind the bottom teeth.
-
Posterior Crossbite
A crossbite affecting the back teeth where the upper teeth sit inside the bottom teeth.
-
Open Bite
Front teeth do not meet when back teeth are closed.
-
Deep Bite
Upper front teeth significantly overlap bottom teeth.
-
Crowding
Teeth are rotated or displaced because of lack of space.
-
Spacing
Visible gaps between teeth due to excess space.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
Your initial consultation is FREE! During the initial visit, we get to know your child and family, and help you get acquainted with our office and practice philosophy. We then perform a thorough examination to determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary. General questions regarding treatment costs and payment options are discussed during the first appointment.
Keep in mind that the best time to treat a child orthodontically differs from patient to patient. Even if early treatment is not needed, we will continue to monitor their growth and development on a regular basis at no cost to you. All follow-up exams are FREE until your child receives his or her first orthodontic appliance. You have nothing to lose and will gain the peace of mind that your child will grow up to have a beautiful and confident smile. Ask your dentist if you or your child could benefit from a FREE consultation!
