How Early Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

Child holds xray taken at orthodontic consultation

Undergoing orthodontic treatment is an experience that most parents anticipate guiding their child through when the time is right. Many feel that taking a trip to the orthodontist isn’t necessary until their child is a preteen. However, scheduling an early orthodontist consultation is the best way to ensure that your child’s orthodontic treatment goes smoothly.

When is the best time to schedule an orthodontist consultation for your child? Here’s what you need to know from the experts at PureSmile in Shanghai.

What is an Orthodontist Consultation?

An orthodontist consultation is the first appointment a patient has with an orthodontist before their treatment begins. During your child’s consultation, a dental assistant will take pictures, X-rays, and molds of your child’s mouth. These tools will give the orthodontist a clear view of your child’s mouth.

Next, the orthodontist will closely examine your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw. A personalized treatment plan will be customized to meet their particular oral needs. Most commonly, orthodontic consultations last between 30 minutes and one hour.

How Early Should my Child See an Orthodontist?

Many parents think that the primary reason a child should seek orthodontic treatment is to straighten their crooked smile. But there are more pressing concerns that could make early orthodontic intervention essential.

For instance, one of the most critical factors that an orthodontist will address is the way the patient’s jaw aligns. Proper alignment will ensure the patient’s bite fits well, making it easier to speak, chew, and practice good oral hygiene.

When is the best time to bring your child in for an orthodontist consultation? This will depend on the development of your child’s mouth. In most cases, it’s best to make an appointment when their first permanent molars have come in, usually by the time they are seven.

At this point, a specialist will be able to identify potential concerns with permanent teeth as they emerge. Being proactive gives the orthodontist plenty of time to intervene while the patient’s mouth continues to develop.

This may seem young. However, consulting an orthodontist early can help you and your child prepare for their orthodontic needs in the future.

Benefits of Starting Early

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit the orthodontist by age seven. Your child’s smile may appear healthy to you. But a closer look from a trained professional could detect early signs of oral health concerns.

There are a number of benefits to taking your child to an orthodontist consultation earlier rather than later, including:

Guiding proper jaw growth and alignment
Guiding permanent teeth to the appropriate position
Improving facial appearance
Correct harmful oral habits

Questions to Ask

Before you meet with your child’s orthodontist for the first time, it can be helpful to write down a list of questions to ask. This will ensure that you understand exactly what to expect during their treatment process. Here are some sample questions to get you started.

What treatment do you recommend and why?
How long can we expect the treatment process to take?
How much will the treatment cost?
How should my child care for their smile during and after treatment?
How often will my child visit the orthodontist for adjustments?
How will my child’s diet and lifestyle be affected by wearing braces?

Early orthodontic intervention can have a tremendous impact on a child’s oral health and self-esteem. When the time comes to schedule your child’s free orthodontist consultation, the trusted team at PureSmile is here to make the process as enjoyable and convenient as possible.