There isn’t a specific age at which children should start undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, at around seven years old, your child will have grown out enough permanent teeth and the jaw is developed enough to tell if there are any current issues... or any on the horizon.
There are many benefits to getting orthodontic treatment as a child, including shorter treatment time, fewer impacted permanent teeth and reduced chance of needing to remove teeth because we:
- Guide teeth into desired positions early
- Minimize crowding/creating room for erupting teeth
- Guide jaw growth
- Correct the results of oral habits like thumb and finger sucking
Are there any signs I should look for?
Yes, definitely! Here are some of the signs to keep in mind:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting into food
- Grinding and/or clenching of teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Speech difficulties
- Thumb or other finger-sucking habits
- Crowding, misplacement, or blocking of teeth
- Jaw shifts or jaw noises like popping
- Protruding of teeth
- Biting the inside of his or her cheek
- Teeth meet abnormally or do not meet at all
- Jaw and teeth do not appear to be proportionate to the face
Keep in mind that these signs do not guarantee that your child needs treatment, but they may indicate that an orthodontic evaluation may be a good idea.
Do some of these signs look familiar to you?
Have no fear, your child will be in good hands! Dr. Harris has built a family-oriented, professional practice in the Charlotte, Huntersville and Concord communities. They are no strangers to the latest technology so you can be sure that the Harris team is up to date on the newest trends in orthodontics.
If you recognize any of these signs in your child, it might be time to come see us at Harris Orthodontics. There is no better time to start treatment than now! Summer break is a wonderful time to begin your child's smile journey. Want to get your child started before school starts back? Then give us a call to schedule your complimentary consultation and new patient exam. Visit our website at: https://www.smilesbyharris.com or call us at 704-597-5555 to request an appointment.
