Early Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist as early as age seven. At this point the orthodontist will evaluate whether your child will need orthodontic treatment.
A child’s radiant smile and good dental health are invaluable assets, fostering both their physical well-being and self-confidence. While orthodontic treatment is typically associated with teenagers, there are instances where early intervention can significantly improve your child’s dental outcomes as they continue to grow and develop. Recognizing the warning signs for early treatment is crucial.
Some of these red flags include:
- Thumb Sucking: Prolonged thumb-sucking habits can impact dental development especially if they continue to suck after age five.
- Teeth Misalignment/Crowded Front Teeth: Teeth that don’t touch correctly or don’t meet at all can signal alignment issues.
- Baby Teeth Timing: Early or delayed loss of baby teeth can indicate underlying concerns. Your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13.
- Chewing Difficulties: Struggles with chewing or discomfort while eating can be indicators.
- Disproportionate Jaw/Teeth: Jaws or teeth that appear out of proportion may require attention.
- Audible Jaw Sounds: Sounds coming from the jaws during movement could signify issues.
- Mouth Breathing: Difficulty breathing can be linked to orthodontic concerns.
- Misplaced Teeth: Crooked or misplaced teeth can benefit from early evaluation.
HEADS UP 7-UP: Age 7 is a crucial age as it marks the transition to permanent teeth, ideal for assessing any issues. If none are found, your child can join our observation program, Cook’e Club, tailored for this stage. Observation allows us to monitor teeth and jaw growth, planning future treatment. Regular visits help determine the best time to begin orthodontic treatment.
Proactive intervention however, might be necessary to create a favorable growth environment and reduce the complexity of future treatment.The goal of early treatment is to correct the growth of the jaw and certain bite problems, such as underbite. Early treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance of extractions in the future.
At Cooke Orthodontics, we’re committed to ensuring a positive early orthodontic experience for your child. Our goal is to make their visit informative and enjoyable, setting the stage for excellent dental health. We provide a relaxed, fun, and friendly environment, ensuring a positive dental experience.
Take the first step in securing your child’s oral health by contacting us today. No referral is needed. Our team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Early Treatment FAQ’s
How old is too old for orthodontics? how young is too young?
Our youngest patient is 5 years old and our oldest is over 80. Age is not an obstacle!
When should my child first be evaluated for treatment?
7 years old. There is no fee for this service! All exams are complimentary
Why at such an early age?
Dr. Cooke does a few things at this appointment:
- She identifies if the jaw is growing properly.
- She determines if there are too many or too few teeth.
- She takes a 3D image that can identify sleep-disordered breathing.
How often does a child need early orthodontics?
For about 1 in 5 children, early treatment is advised. Most of the time, Dr. Cooke will determine that everything looks good and your child should begin treatment around 12-13 years old.
Why does Dr. Cooke perform exams every 6-12 months?
The teeth and jaw are constantly growing and shifting. Most exams are a year apart to make sure everything is growing in a healthy and ideal way. Dr. Cooke is able to guide the eruption of adult teeth when needed with well-timed interventions that make orthodontics easier for children.
Do I need a referral to come see you?
Nope! You do not need a referral. Schedule your complimentary consultation here.