What Is the Best Age to Visit an Orthodontist?
Your teeth go through a lot in the first 10 years of life! First, your baby teeth come in, they later begin to fall out, and then your permanent teeth start to make their appearance! Visits with your dentist help maintain your oral health by teaching proper brushing and flossing. A first dentist visit is an important milestone appointment for each child! There’s another important milestone appointment that should be made within the first decade of life: an orthodontist appointment! Did you know that 7 is the best age to visit an orthodontist? Yes, that’s right, 7!
The Best Age to Visit an Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children to visit an experienced orthodontist by the age of 7. When the tooth fairy starts making an appearance in your child’s life so should an orthodontist!
This transitional time is important to the overall health of your child’s smile. Making an appointment to see an orthodontist allows for a game plan to be made with simpler treatment options. Early treatment also helps get ahead of oral health problems that could be a bigger issue further down the line.
Bad Habits to Keep an Eye On
While some bad behaviors and habits are unavoidable, there are actions you can take to prevent them from happening in the future. If you notice any of the following behaviors in your child, contact an orthodontist for a free consultation!
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Preference for breathing through the mouth
- Late loss of baby teeth
- Teeth grinding
- Thumb sucking
- Crowded or crooked teeth
This is not a comprehensive list of habits you should keep an eye on, so if you see something that you don’t think is quite right it never hurts to ask!
Visiting an orthodontist early will help you and your healthcare team create a plan that fits your child’s needs. Bubon Orthodontics is proud to serve Southeastern Wisconsin with high-quality orthodontics at an affordable cost since 1993! Schedule your free consultation today!