When should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents schedule their child’s first orthodontic visit by age 7. It’s around this time that their little smiles have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and because their jaws are still developing, it’s important to monitor how adult teeth come in.

Without orthodontic growth and dental monitoring, crowding and other potential problems may make orthodontic treatment more challenging later in life.

What is Orthodontic Growth and Dental Monitoring?

As your little one grows, your Wired Orthodontics care team can help watch for orthodontic issues before they become more serious, making the work of orthodontics in their later years a lot easier. For example, we’ll monitor:

  • Potential cross-bite and open bite development
  • Obstructive breathing issues—is your child a mouth breather?
  • Position of baby and permanent teeth
  • Dental overcrowding or spacing which could hinder or affect permanent tooth development or position
  • How permanent teeth come in
  • Teeth at risk for injury or decay due to protrusion or overcrowding
  • Harmful habits that may cause orthodontic problems (thumb sucking)
  • Oral hygiene and overall pediatric dental health
  • A balanced facial appearance

We Make Pediatric Orthodontics Fun for Kids

Rising Star is FREE, and it includes all kinds of free swag, birthday surprises, extra encouragement, and prizes … like we said: FUN! 

So, whether they’re visiting us for their own appointments or tagging along with an older sibling, we want kids to love coming to see us. At the same time, they learn the importance of caring for their smiles.  

It’s easy (and did we mention FUN?). Schedule their first, free consultation, and let’s get ready to blast off! 

Young boy wearing braces and rising star cape
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Orthodontic Growth and Dental Monitoring in Austin, TX

While your child’s teeth may look straight, there could be a problem only an orthodontist can detect. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.

And while treatment isn’t included as part of free growth monitoring, early treatment (also called Phase 1 treatment), could prevent more serious problems from developing that may not be possible to correct with braces alone after your child’s jaws finish growing.

Early treatment can give your orthodontist the chance to:

  • Align jaw growth
  • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
  • Correct harmful oral habits
  • Improve appearance and self-esteem
  • Avoid extractions of permanent teeth
  • Correct teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all

Schedule a free consultation today and get ready to blast off with Wired Orthodontics!

FAQs

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at no later than age seven. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.

Will teeth straighten out as they grow?

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes. Appropriate treatment timing is critical in orthodontics. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

What is Phase One (early) treatment?

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 6 -12 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.

Will my child need full braces if he/she has phase one treatment?

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

Will my child need an expander?

Some, but not all, children will benefit from treatment with a palate expander. At the completion of the initial examination and orthodontic records, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.

Learn More About Orthodontic Treatment

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our offices

Your Source for Orthodontic Care in the Austin, Leander & Cedar Park Area

Wired Orthodontics – Austin Lake Creek

10119 Lake Creek Pkwy, Ste 1, Austin, TX, 78729-1757

Wired Orthodontics – Leander/Cedar Park

15609 Ronald W Reagan Blvd, Bldg A150, Leander, TX, 78641-1474

Wired Orthodontics – Austin Four Points

6611 Sitio del Rio Blvd, Austin, TX, 78730-1171

We serve the communities of Cedar Park, Brushy Creek, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, Jollyville, Wells Branch, River Place, Lago Vista, Steiner Ranch, Hudson Bend, Lakeway, Lake Travis, Volente, and North Austin.