At What Age Should My Child See the Orthodontist?
Having issues with your teeth is never fun. Even things that are just cosmetic can prevent you from flashing your pearly whites. That’s why making sure your child sees the dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning and check up is so important. Obviously, dental hygiene has a huge impact on your teeth, but it also can have major effects on your overall health. In fact, issues and problems in your mouth can absolutely affect your entire body.
But what about seeing an orthodontist?
Dr. David A. Blaustein, DDS, and the whole staff here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in New York, NY, are all about good oral hygiene. We know that starting a child off on the right foot is essential and will make regular brushing and flossing a basic and normal routine. The good habits you and your kids start today will last a lifetime. And of course, if we determine that there are orthodontic issues, we are here to come up with the best plan of action to address the problem or problems as soon as possible.
The right age for a child to see an orthodontist
Dr. Blaustein wholeheartedly agrees with the American Association of Orthodontists, which recommends that children should have their first checkup with an orthodontist no later than age 7. That’s because at this age kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist can see current and potential problems. The earlier an issue is identified, the quicker and easier it will be to treat it.
Clearly, problems can crop up later on, so it is always best to routinely check in with your children and monitor their teeth and any complaints they may have. If they are regular brushers and flossers, any changes or issues will easy to recognize.
How do I know if my child needs an orthodontist?
On the first visit, Dr. Blaustein determines if there are any orthodontic problems. He then recommends either early intervention or simply monitoring the situation until all the adult teeth are in. He goes over the options to correct the problem with you, including short- and long-term plans, and let’s you know what to expect from from a visit to the orthodontist. We recognize that every situation and child is different, and we respect and treat all of our patients as individuals. Regular checkups allow us to keep tabs on the situation.
Let’s be honest, kids don’t love going to the dentist or the orthodontist. So the key is to make them as comfortable as possible. That’s exactly what we do here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics — for patients of any age. The good thing for kids, is that even if a problem is identified it may not have to be dealt with right away.
Do we really need X-rays?
The simple answer is yes. While we understand your concerns, today’s technology means X-rays use significantly less radiation than ever. In order for us to truly see the problems or potential problems and be absolutely accurate, we’ll need some pictures of your child’s mouth and teeth. A clear diagnosis is the only way to determine whether your child needs a visit to the orthodontist now or later.
To find out if your child is ready for orthodonture or simply needs a dental checkup, give us a call or use the convenient request appointment feature. We’re here to make you, your child, and the whole family smile.