When you identify an issue early, it’s usually easier to correct. This is a basic rule that applies to many areas of life, but especially orthodontic care. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic appointment by age seven. At this stage, typically enough permanent teeth have come in, making it possible to spot and treat any potential problems that may show up early.
As Colgate and the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine explain, there are many advantages to early orthodontic care. For example, expansion devices, used to widen the palate, can be most effective during this period when children are still growing. By providing more space, these devices help to avoid problems of crowding, allow teeth to come in straighter, and potentially prevent the need for removal of permanent teeth in the future. In addition, these devices can be helpful in correcting the way that top and bottom teeth come together.
The preteen and teenage years are another common time for orthodontic care. At this point, most of the permanent teeth have come in, allowing treatment to be most effective. In fact, a majority of adolescents undergo orthodontic treatment. According to the AAO, 70 to 80 percent of American adolescents have braces at some point in their teen years.
If you reside in the Kansas City or Parkville area and are wondering whether your child or teen could benefit from orthodontic care, the best way to find out is to schedule an appointment with a professional who specializes in pediatric and adolescent orthodontic care.
At Weber Orthodontics, we care about your kids’ health, and want their first dental experiences to be good ones. We offer traditional, clear, and Teen Invisalign braces. Contact our office by phone (816) 746-1200 or complete our appointment request form to schedule an appointment.
I like that you talked about how it is recommended that children should have their first orthodontic appointment by age seven. My wife and I noticed that some of our daughter’s teeth are slightly crooked, so we’re thinking that we should have it looked into by a dentist. We should probably ask for pediatric orthodontics services to fix the alignment of her teeth.