Did you know that by age 7, your child’s smile is already setting the stage for their dental health? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children as young as seven receive an orthodontic consultation. Kids typically have a mix of baby and adult teeth at this age, allowing orthodontists to spot potential problems early.

Why Age 7?

At age 7, your child is in a crucial developmental stage called mixed dentition. This means they have a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth. During this time, an orthodontist can assess if there’s enough room in their jaws for all their adult teeth to come in properly.

What We Look For

Here are some key issues we check for during a consultation:

1. Jaw Narrowing: We examine if the jaws are too narrow to accommodate incoming teeth.
2. Early Loss of Baby Teeth: Losing baby teeth too early can cause spacing issues for adult teeth.
3. Impacted Teeth: These are adult teeth that haven’t emerged properly, often leading to more complex problems.
4. Crowded Teeth: Lack of space can lead to overlapping and misaligned teeth.
5. Crossbites: This is when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, potentially causing jaw and bite issues.
6. Harmful Habits: Habits like thumb-sucking or mouth-breathing can affect dental development.

Understanding Crossbites

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth rather than outside, as they should. This misalignment can happen in the front or back of the mouth and can affect one or both sides. If untreated, crossbites can lead to severe issues like tooth and gum damage, chipped teeth, and asymmetric jaw growth.

The Importance of Spacing

During the mixed dentition phase, some spacing between teeth is normal and necessary. If there’s not enough room, adult teeth can grow in overlapping or crooked. This is especially problematic for permanent canine teeth. If these teeth become impacted, it might lead to extensive orthodontic treatment or even gum surgery.

Addressing Harmful Habits

Oral habits like thumb-sucking and mouth-breathing can cause significant dental issues such as crossbites, open bites, and jaw narrowing. If these habits are caught early, the damage can often be reversed. Left unchecked, however, they may require more complex treatments like orthognathic surgery in addition to orthodontic work.

Schedule a Consultation Today

To ensure your child’s smile develops healthily, schedule an orthodontic consultation by age 7. Early detection and treatment can save time, prevent complications, and make orthodontic treatment more effective and comfortable.