The Right Time for an Orthodontic Checkup: Start at Age 7

Early orthodontic screening is crucial for your child’s dental development. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it an ideal time to detect and address potential issues.

Why Age 7 Is Critical

By age 7, your child’s mouth has developed enough to where an orthodontist can:

Evaluate the relationship between the upper and lower jaws
Identify potential problems with emerging teeth
Assess space available for incoming permanent teeth
Spot issues that might require early intervention

Things to Look for in Your Child’s Mouth

Cross Bite

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. This condition can affect:

Single teeth or groups of teeth
Front teeth (anterior crossbite)
Back teeth (posterior crossbite)

If left untreated, crossbites can lead to:

Uneven jaw growth
Worn tooth enamel
Difficulty chewing
Asymmetrical facial development

Open Bite

No overlap between top and bottom front teeth

In an open bite, there’s no overlap between top and bottom front teeth. This condition can be caused by:

Prolonged thumb sucking
Excessive pacifier use
Tongue thrusting
Skeletal problems

Potential consequences include:

Difficulty biting and chewing food
Speech problems, particularly with “s” and “th” sounds
Increased risk of tooth wear

Deep Overbite

When the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth, it’s called a deep overbite. This condition may:

Cause excessive wear on lower front teeth
Lead to gum irritation or damage
Create jaw joint problems
Affect facial appearance

Large Gaps

Spaces between teeth (diastemas) can occur due to:

Missing teeth
Oversized labial frenum (tissue between upper front teeth)
Jaw size discrepancy
Habits like thumb sucking

While some gaps naturally close as permanent teeth emerge, others may require orthodontic intervention.

Crowding/Overlapping

Dental crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all teeth to fit properly. This can result in:

Crooked or twisted teeth
Difficulty cleaning between teeth
Increased risk of cavities and gum disease
Aesthetic concerns

Crossbite of the Front Teeth

Similar to a general crossbite but specifically affecting the front teeth, this condition can:

Impact facial symmetry
Affect proper bite function
Lead to uneven tooth wear
Cause jaw joint problems

Underbite

When the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth, it’s called an underbite. This condition:

May indicate a jaw size mismatch
Can affect speech and chewing
Might impact facial appearance
May lead to uneven tooth wear

Protrusive or “Bucked” Teeth

Protruding upper front teeth, sometimes called “buck teeth,” can:

Be more susceptible to injury
Affect self-esteem
Create difficulty closing lips comfortably
Impact speech clarity

Benefits of Early Detection

The benefits of early orthodontic detection cannot be overstated in ensuring optimal dental development for your child. Early screening allows orthodontists to identify and address potential problems before they become more severe, which can ultimately lead to simpler and more effective treatment outcomes. Key advantages of early detection include:

Early intervention can guide proper jaw growth and development, potentially preventing more complex issues from developing in the future and reducing the likelihood of invasive procedures.
Proactive monitoring helps preserve adequate space for incoming permanent teeth while minimizing the potential need for future tooth extractions, leading to more predictable outcomes.
When problems are caught early, treatment times are typically shorter and more manageable for both children and their families, often resulting in more cost-effective solutions.

When to Seek Professional Evaluation

Knowing when to seek professional evaluation is crucial for your child’s dental health. Parents should be particularly attentive to certain signs that may indicate the need for an orthodontic assessment. The most common warning signs include:

Noticeable difficulty with basic oral functions, such as persistent problems with chewing, biting, or speaking clearly
Behavioral patterns like habitual mouth breathing or thumb sucking that continues beyond age 5
Physical signs including visible jaw shifting, teeth grinding, or irregular patterns in losing baby teeth

It’s important to understand that identifying these signs and seeking early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean immediate treatment will be required. In many cases, the optimal approach involves carefully monitoring your child’s growth and development over time. Orthodontists often recommend a period of observation to determine the most appropriate timing for any necessary interventions. This approach ensures that when treatment is initiated, it’s done at the most beneficial time for your child’s specific needs.

Don’t wait to give your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile. If your child is approaching age 7 or you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, schedule a consultation with our experienced orthodontic team today. Call us at (713) 783-8888 or fill out our contact form to book your child’s initial evaluation.