Beverly Hills, CA – According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child’s first checkup with an orthodontist should occur no later than the age of seven years old. This first appointment is extremely important to the development of the child’s teeth, and all parents (and children) should have an idea of what this check up will entail.
What the Orthodontist Wants to Know
When your child has this very first appointment with an orthodontist, the doctor is specifically looking for problems with incoming teeth and jaw growth that could indicate the need for braces. Your child’s teeth may look straight, but certain issues can only be seen by a trained orthodontist.
Orthodontists are looking for a number of issues in young children around the age of seven, including:
- Crossbite
- Crowding
- Diastema
- Complete Class III
- Open Bite
- Protrusion
- Ectopic Eruption
The orthodontist will also check to see if your child has any bad oral habits that could contribute to crooked teeth. These habits can include thumb or finger sucking, swallowing incorrectly, or pen biting. Often, an oral habit can cause an open bite or other orthodontic problem.
Why Does This Appointment Have to Happen So Early?
An orthodontic check up around the age of seven is the perfect time because a child will still be losing baby teeth at this point. The child’s jaw is still malleable, so if there are any serious issues, they can be fixed much easier than at any other stage in life.
What If There Is a Problem With My Child’s Teeth?
If the doctor does determine that there is a problem with your child’s teeth, a recommendation for braces may be in order. However, braces aren’t always necessary, especially if an issue is caught early on. It is important to be open minded when coming to the appointment and to remind your child that this is a necessary part of turning seven.
There may also be no problem with your child’s teeth, which of course would be ideal. However, even if you suspect that your child is exhibiting healthy teeth development, seven is the perfect age for children to have their first meeting with the orthodontist. The only exception to the age seven rule is if you begin to notice severe issues with your child’s teeth, jaw, or bite earlier on.
Contact Dr. Nikaeen for More Information
Dr. Atoosa Nikaeen has always loved working with children. She believes even children need to have a healthy, beautiful smile. The patience she and her staff have, along with their kid-friendly personalities, mean that your child will be much more likely to enjoy his or her first check up.
Contact Dr. Nikaeen now at 310-444-1113 for your child’s first orthodontic appointment.
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