Bracing for Braces

Parents often receive mixed messages about the best time to seek orthodontic treatment for their child. Should you see an orthodontist when your child still has his baby teeth or wait until the permanent teeth have erupted? Should you wait until it’s obvious that your child has an issue or consult an orthodontist before problems are evident? The truth is there is not a universal age or time to start treatment because every child has a unique mouth that warrants an individualized treatment plan. The American Association of Orthodontics suggests that all kids be evaluated by age seven, at which time they should have reached several dental and skeletal growth milestones. “At age seven the permanent teeth in the front and back start to erupt and we can get an idea if there will be a bite issue such as crowding, inadequate room for teeth to grow in, overbite issues or open bite issues where teeth do not come together in front,” says Dr. Steven Siegel at Orthodontists of Maryland. Other common issues include narrow jaws, oral habits like thumb or finger sucking, speech issues and sleep issues.

Just because you bring your child to an orthodontist does not mean that he will require work. “Most parents just want to know that things are okay and we can give them peace of mind and self-assurance,” says Siegel. Some kids

Parents often receive mixed messages about the best time to seek orthodontic treatment for their child. Should you see an orthodontist when your child still has his baby teeth or wait until the permanent teeth have erupted? Should you wait until it’s obvious that your child has an issue or consult an orthodontist before problems are evident? The truth is there is not a universal age or time to start treatment because every child has a unique mouth that warrants an individualized treatment plan. The American Association of Orthodontics suggests that all kids be evaluated by age seven, at which time they should have reached several dental and skeletal