Questions & Answers

7 & up orthodontic checkup

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Why should my child have their orthodontic exam by age 7?

By age 7, children have developed enough that any orthodontic problems can be diagnosed and a treatment plan created. Our orthodontists will be able to determine whether or not your child needs early treatment or when regular orthodontic treatment should begin.

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Will my child receive treatment at this age 7 checkup?

Not necessarily. Diagnosing an orthodontic problem at this age does not always mean that your child will begin treatment right away. Our orthodontists will evaluate your child’s teeth, mouth and jaws to determine how they are growing and developing. Depending on the results of this evaluation, our orthodontists will recommend what type of treatment is needed and when that treatment should begin. We will review all treatment options with you so you can make an informed decision regarding your child’s care.

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What happens at my child’s age 7 orthodontic checkup?

Our orthodontists will perform an oral examination and will analyze your child’s bite, oral musculature and bone structure. X-rays will also be taken, and we will discuss your child’s oral habits with you.

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About the Recall Club

Once you are in the recall club, you’ll be seen on a yearly basis to monitor the growth of the upper and lower jaw and the eruption pattern of the permanent teeth.

This recall exam
visits are at no cost to you.

7 & up orthodontic checkup

 
DOES MY CHILD NEED AN INITIAL CHECKUP

Your child should receive an initial orthodontic checkup by age 7. This exam helps our orthodontists diagnose any developing problems and determine if early treatment is needed and when that treatment should begin. We invite you to contact our office to learn more and schedule your child’s age 7 orthodontic checkup.

EARLY EVALUATION

While many people associate orthodontic treatment with the teenage years, the truth is that your child should receive an initial orthodontic screening no later than age 7. The American Association of Orthodontists® (AAO®) recommends an examination by this age in order to determine if your child requires early treatment and at what age any needed treatments should begin.
Your child’s initial orthodontic evaluation helps our dentists to:

  • Diagnose subtle problems with jaw growth and erupting teeth
  • Identify developing problems that may not require immediate treatment
  • Monitor your child’s growth and development so that we can determine what age would be most appropriate to begin treatment
  • Diagnose problems requiring early treatment to prevent more severe damage to your child’s teeth and oral health in the future
  • If needed, provide care that will guide jaw growth, correct harmful oral habits, minimize the risk of damage to the teeth, guide permanent teeth into their optimal positions and improve your child’s bite

This initial exam is designed to be comfortable so that your child can develop positive associations with visiting our dentists. During this appointment, we will perform an oral exam as well as an analysis of the bite, oral musculature and any skeletal deformities. X-rays may be taken, and we will discuss any poor oral habits that your child may have. We will then be able to determine whether early treatment is needed.
For more information about your child’s initial orthodontic exam and to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our office today.

Contact us

At Dentistry and Braces group, we believe that everyone deserves exceptional dental care, no matter their age or circumstance. For personalized, comprehensive dental care, contact our experienced dentists and make your appointment today.