Most people remember wearing braces through their high school years. If they were lucky, the braces came off just before senior portraits and graduation. Based on that experience, parents assume their own children won’t need to see an orthodontist until at least age 12 or 13. Listen up, moms. Your child should be evaluated by an orthodontist beginning at age 7. Yes, they may have only lost a few baby teeth, but now is the time for an orthodontic screening as a way to make early adjustments and create a plan for future treatment. As your children start to lose their baby teeth, you’ll quickly see if new teeth are coming in at an angle or without proper space to line up with their other teeth. You’ll want to visit with an orthodontist to ensure those new, adult teeth have the room they need.
Do you notice any of the following with your child?
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Mouth breathing
Difficulty chewing or biting
Sucking the thumb, fingers or other oral habits
Crowded, misplaced or blocked out teeth
Jaws that shift, protrude or are recessed
Difficulty speaking
Protruding teeth
Biting the cheek or into the roof of the mouth
Inability to comfortably close lips
Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all
Any one of these issues means it’s time for an orthodontist appointment. During that initial consultation, the orthodontist will thoroughly examine your child’s teeth and may take photographs and X-rays to begin their orthodontic record. Your orthodontist also will review any previous dental records and carefully examine not only your child’s teeth but also their jaw and bite alignment. The orthodontist can recommend a timeline for the most effective treatment. Your child may need to start treatment immediately or in the coming months. By getting an early evaluation, you’ll be better prepared to plan for the very best orthodontic care. And, hey, your kids won’t have to stress about having spectacular smiles for their senior portraits!
Charleston Orthodontic Specialists offers free consultations and flexible payment plans. With brand new offices in Summerville, West Ashley and opening soon in Mount Pleasant. Charleston Orthodontic Specialists also has a wide variety of product options, including colored braces, Invisalign Teen, and WildSmiles. The practice is the only local orthodontist with Mascot Braces, so young sports fan can get brackets with the Clemson Tiger and USC Gamecock logos. To schedule an appointment for your free consultation, call 843-642-8100.
