When Should My Child Get Braces?
As your child ages, the discussion about early orthodontic intervention will come into play. Because every child is different, it can be hard to know exactly when or if braces are needed. Fortunately, our Grandville pediatric dentists can perform an oral examination and give you helpful advice on whether you should take your child to an orthodontist.
Here’s what you need to know about possible indications that braces are needed for your child and when to schedule an appointment with a trusted orthodontist in the area.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontics
Each time you bring your child into our Grandville, MI, dental office for a routine six month visit, our pediatric dentists will examine their entire mouth and take note of how their teeth and jaws are developing.
When an abnormality is found, such as a misaligned bite, we will discuss the finding with you and determine next steps. There are also several behaviors, that unlike our dentists, you can pick up on outside of the dental office that can indicate a need for orthodontic treatment. Common examples include prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use.
Other signs that your child would benefit from orthodontics include:
- Premature loss of baby teeth
- Late loss of baby teeth
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking
- Excessive grinding or clenching of the teeth
- A present crossbite, underbite, overbite, or open bite (where the top and bottom teeth don’t meet)
Recommended Age for Initial Orthodontic Exam
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children undergo an around the time they turn 7 years old. At this age, your child will have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth so an orthodontist can see how they are all coming in and if any orthodontic problems are forming.
Now, if your child is older than 7 and has not yet been evaluated, it’s perfectly normal. While that age is a starting point for early intervention, children can still go in for a check-up if they are 8 or above. However, if more serious dental problems exist, it is best to have an orthodontist take a closer look sooner than later.
Our pediatric dentists can inform you of arising issues regarding your child’s oral health and offer necessary recommendations. Treatable problems are always better corrected while your child is younger so keep this in mind when considering whether to seek out an orthodontist.
Preparing Your Child for a Trip to the Orthodontist
If your child already exhibits anxiety when it comes to regular dental appointments, it should come as no surprise when they seem apprehensive about the idea of seeing an orthodontist. Not to worry, though, as we have a few tips for getting your child ready and having them feel in control while their smile is being evaluated.
Related Post → 5 Ways to Calm Your Child’s Nerves Before the Dentist
Mainly, you want to lend a listening ear and answer any questions they have in a straightforward way. Do your best to honestly and clearly speak to them as you explain the general overview of the visit. Highlighting every step might seem excessive but it can ease the worries of children just wanting to know what will happen. A guideline to go off of can do wonders.
You can also create a reward system by planning for a fun activity after their appointment. This doesn’t have to be anything extravagant and can be as simple as taking a trip to your local park to play catch or enjoying some ice cream at their favorite place. Here, you can discuss how it all went and see how they’re feeling about potential upcoming treatment.
Ultimately, it’s best to remind your child of why orthodontics can benefit them. The more they understand about the process and its purpose, the better!
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Orthodontist Visit
The is all about observation and general discussion. The main objective centers around examining your child’s mouth, teeth, and jaws.
During the appointment, you can expect that X-rays and likely impressions will be taken of your child’s mouth to give the orthodontist an idea of the issues at hand and how they can be remedied. Your child will also be asked to bite down so the orthodontist can see how the top and bottom teeth come together.
If orthodontic treatment is needed, you’ll be briefed on every detail so both you and your child know what to expect. Our pediatric dentists will work with the orthodontist throughout your child’s treatment to ensure their teeth are kept clean and healthy as corrections are made.
An orthodontist will also go over the following with you:
- What the key issue is and why it’s important to fix
- Whether tooth extraction or another type of oral surgery is needed
- The length of treatment
- How much treatment will cost and available payment options
Ask About an Orthodontic Evaluation for Your Child
Have questions about whether or not your child is ready for braces? Our pediatric dentists in Grandville, MI, can take a look at their smile and make recommendations on whether you should consider orthodontic treatment for them. Call Grandville Pediatric Dentistry at (616) 531-3430 today or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.