Dentist in New Braunfels Explains When You Should Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit

As a parent, you want the best for your child, including a healthy and beautiful smile. But when should you start thinking about orthodontic treatment for your child? The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic visit at age 7. 

Early orthodontics involves addressing dental issues in children aged 7-11 before all permanent teeth have come in and while the jaw is still developing. Our talented dentists in New Braunfels deep dive into why the ripe age of 7 is the best time to schedule your child’s first orthodontic appointment. 

Transition Period

By the age of 7, children have both baby and permanent teeth, which makes it easier for an orthodontist to identify potential issues. At this age, the first permanent molars appear, and an orthodontist can check the back bite and ensure that there is enough space for all the permanent teeth to grow.

Moreover, at age 7, the jaw is still growing and can be manipulated more efficiently to address any issues. This helps prevent more severe problems from occurring in the future and may even eliminate the need for additional orthodontic treatment later on.

Correct Issues Before They Escalate

One of the main benefits of early orthodontic treatment is that it can prevent more serious issues from developing in the future. During the first orthodontic visit, our dentist in New Braunfels will evaluate your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite to identify any potential issues. Some common issues that can be identified at this age include:

• Crowding or spacing issues
• Crossbite
• Overbite or underbite
• Jaw growth problems
• Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting

By identifying these issues early on, our dental team can create a treatment plan to address them and prevent them from becoming more severe or the need for more invasive treatment in the future, such as jaw surgery.

Improving Oral Health

Orthodontic issues can also affect your child’s oral health. Crooked or crowded teeth can be challenging to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. By addressing these issues early on, your child can maintain good oral hygiene and reduce their risk of developing overall health problems.

Boosting Self-Esteem

Unfortunately, crooked or misaligned teeth can have a negative impact on your child’s confidence. By addressing these issues early on, your child can have a more positive self-image and feel more confident in their smile. This can have a positive impact on their overall well-being, social interactions, and development.

Our Dentist in New Braunfels Practices Orthodontics!

Early orthodontic treatment can have numerous benefits for your child’s oral health and overall well-being. By scheduling your child’s first orthodontic visit at age 7, our dentist in New Braunfels can identify and address any potential issues early on, preventing more severe problems from developing in the future. 

At Sapphire Creek Dental, we are lucky to have Dr. Kimberly Cuddy on staff as our specialized orthodontist. Over the past three years, Dr. Cuddy has practiced orthodontics, including traditional braces and Invisalign®. Don’t wait; schedule your child’s first orthodontic visit today to give them the gift of a healthy and beautiful smile for life.