Children and teenagers who undergo orthodontic treatment enjoy a variety of benefits, including increased self-esteem and improved oral and physical health. Their parents want to guide them down the right path with our Queens NY orthodontist, but they may not know the best time to begin the treatment process.
Not all children may need braces, but all children will benefit from an orthodontic screening that will determine whether their teeth will eventually need to be re-aligned. It’s best to initiate the orthodontic relationship early, not only to address potential problems but also to give the child an opportunity to begin to build trust with the orthodontist.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7. Typically, at least some permanent teeth have erupted in a seven-year-old child, and the orthodontist can get a preliminary idea of any issues that may need to be addressed.
At the initial evaluation, your orthodontist will examine the child’s teeth for any indications for orthodontic treatment, such as crowding, uneven spacing of the teeth and extra or missing teeth. Your orthodontist will also ask about habits such as thumb-sucking that can affect the teeth’s alignment.
Orthodontic treatment can take place in different phases, with younger children fitted with appliances, such as expanders, that are intended to prevent malocclusions or patterns of jaw development that would compromise proper tooth alignment. The second phase of treatment, most often initiated in preteens or early adolescents, involves the traditional braces that most people identify with orthodontics.
Even if the orthodontist does not identify any problems at the initial evaluation, parents should still plan to schedule periodic follow-up visits for their children. As the jaws continue to grow and develop, an issue requiring orthodontic intervention could arise at any time until the child’s growth is complete.
Orthodontic treatment is not merely an investment in your child’s appearance, it also helps to promote good oral health over the lifespan. Contact our experienced team of orthodontists serving Queens and schedule an initial evaluation to determine what orthodontic treatment may be appropriate in your child’s case.
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