WHEN TO BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FIRST ORTHO APPOINTMENT Braces Aren’t Just for Teens
When you have children, you often think and plan ahead to keep them safe and catch anything that could go wrong before it becomes a reality. During their first year on this planet, you take them to countless doctors’ appointments to ensure they’re still developing on pace with kids their age and that they receive any treatment they need. Around their first birthday, the doctor may ask whether you’ve scheduled a dentist appointment yet. But what about the first orthodontic appointment? When should it take place, and what can you expect? Many parents believe they should wait until their kid reaches their teenage years before going to the orthodontist because that’s when the parents first received braces or started orthodontic treatment as kids, but this might not be the best approach. The
American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children experience their first orthodontic examination by age 7.
appointment when they are around 7, we will evaluate their airway, bite, and dental
habits. This helps us determine whether they will need braces and potentially when. While some children may need braces at age 7, they may not be ready for the responsibility that comes with them. Taking care
That might seem young, but kids need braces for various reasons, and this early appointment allows us to plan for those needs before they arise. They may have had baby teeth that came out too early or late, leading to crowded or
of dental hygiene becomes more difficult when braces go on, so we have to be sure their dental habits will support the success of the orthodontic treatment and the child will continue to take care of their dental hygiene. If you have any questions about early orthodontic treatment or want to bring your child in for their first appointment, please reach out!
misplaced teeth or difficulty chewing. You may even notice their smile becoming more crooked as their adult teeth come in. During the first appointment, we will do everything we can to make your child comfortable while we look for any potential problems. We don’t want any future issues to develop! If you bring your child in for an
CROSSING THE FINISH LINE:
(650) 342-4171 | 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator