If you’re a parent in Las Vegas, you’re probably juggling a lot of activities—school, soccer practice, family dinners. So when it comes to dental care, it’s easy to think, “We’ll just handle braces if they need them later.” But did you know that early visits to the orthodontist can make a big difference in your child’s future smile? Let’s explore why your child should see an orthodontist by age 7 and how it benefits both of you in the long run.
Setting the Foundation Early
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7, even if no obvious issues are present. That’s because, by age 7, your child’s mouth is at a unique stage of development. Some adult teeth have started to come in, but many of their baby teeth are still present. This mix allows an orthodontist to get a clear picture of how your child’s teeth and jaw are growing, and we use these early evaluations to spot any potential issues before they turn into bigger problems.
An early evaluation can help detect issues like misaligned bites, crowding, or even jaw growth irregularities. For instance, if there’s a problem with the alignment, catching it early can make treatment easier and, often, shorter.
Understanding Orthodontic Issues in Young Children
So, what specific issues can your child’s orthodontist identify at this age? Here are some common problems that we tackle head-on when we catch them early:
- Crossbites: When some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, it can lead to issues with chewing and even facial asymmetry. Early intervention can guide proper jaw growth and prevent long-term complications.
- Crowding: If your child’s jaw is not large enough to accommodate all their adult teeth, we can identify this issue before it leads to more severe crowding. Sometimes, early treatment can create more space, reducing the need for tooth extractions later.
- Overbites and Underbites: These bite issues can affect your child’s ability to chew food properly and may even impact speech development. Addressing these concerns while your child’s bones are still growing can simplify treatment.
- Thumb Sucking & Tongue Thrusting Habits: Prolonged thumb sucking or tongue thrusting can affect the alignment of teeth and the structure of the jaw. Early intervention can help redirect these habits and prevent negative outcomes.
Orthodontic issues like these can be much easier to treat if they’re addressed while your child is still young and their bones are more malleable. At Hansen Miller Orthodontics, we believe that the sooner we can detect these issues, the easier it will be to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
#1: Shorter, Easier Treatment Later On
Early intervention can reduce the overall time and complexity of orthodontic treatment. By guiding jaw growth and ensuring the teeth have enough space to erupt, we can minimize the need for tooth extractions or more invasive procedures. When we can work with your child’s natural growth process, treatment often progresses more smoothly.
#2: Lower Risk of Trauma
If your child has misaligned teeth, they may be at higher risk of injury, especially if they are active in sports or other physical activities. Early orthodontic care can help protect these teeth by bringing them into proper alignment and lowering the risk of accidental damage.
#3: Improved Function
Bite problems such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites can interfere with chewing and speech. Addressing these issues early on can improve your child’s ability to eat and speak comfortably. Proper alignment also helps reduce the wear and tear on teeth, making them less likely to be damaged over time.
#4: Boosted Self-Esteem
Kids thrive when they feel confident, and a big part of that confidence can come from having a smile they’re proud of. If your child feels self-conscious about their teeth, early orthodontic treatment can make a huge difference. By addressing alignment issues early, we can help your child grow up feeling great about their smile.
Common Questions About Early Orthodontic Visits
Is age 7 too young for braces?
While age 7 might sound young for braces, it’s actually an ideal time for an initial check-up. That doesn’t mean your child will need braces right away. In many cases, early evaluations are simply about ensuring everything is developing correctly. If early treatment is necessary, it can be as simple as guiding jaw growth with a removable appliance or creating space for permanent teeth to come in properly.
What if my child’s teeth look straight?
Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, there could be hidden issues with their bite or jaw growth. Only an orthodontist has the training to detect these subtle problems, which is why an early evaluation is so important. Catching these issues early can save you time, money, and hassle down the road.
How often will my child need to see the orthodontist after the initial evaluation?
If your child doesn’t need immediate treatment, we may schedule periodic check-ups, usually every 6-12 months, to monitor their development. These visits allow us to keep an eye on how their teeth and jaws are growing, and to decide the right time for any future treatment. Regular monitoring helps us ensure that any potential issues are addressed at the best possible time, making treatment more efficient and effective.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your child is around 7 years old and hasn’t yet seen an orthodontist, it’s the perfect time to schedule an appointment. At Hansen Miller Orthodontics, we’re here to answer your questions and make the process smooth and easy for your family. Give us a call today or visit one of our six locations in Las Vegas to learn more about how we can help your child’s smile shine for years to come.