Orthodontic Treatment: When Should My Child Start?

DF3 Blog Post

Orthodontic Treatment: When Should My Child Start?As a provider of early orthodontic treatment, it is Dr. Stock’s mission to set children on the path toward a lifetime of great oral health. By visiting your orthodontist in Iowa City, you’ll have the opportunity to give your child a straighter – and much healthier – smile. One of the most common questions we are asked by parents is, “When should my child get braces?” While this is a difficult question to answer as no two patients are the same, there’s actually a standard procedure that should be followed…and it all starts with a trip to the orthodontist.

When Should My Child First See the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child sees the orthodontist for the first time at about the age of seven. This age is typically when a child’s adult molars will appear. The emergence of these teeth will allow an orthodontist to get a clear look at any orthodontic problems for the first time. Dr. Stock will be able to check the front-to-back and side-to-side teeth relationships and look for any malocclusions (bad bites).

When Should My Child Get Braces?

While we definitely recommend having your child visit the orthodontist at about the age of seven, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your child will need early orthodontic treatment. Some patients might need braces immediately. Some might not need them at all. In many cases though, we’ll simply monitor your child’s growth and development until we determine that it’s the appropriate time to begin treatment.

How Can Early Orthodontic Treatment Help?

Dr. Stock uses early orthodontic treatment to help with a number of different malocclusions. For example, early treatment can help to correct:

  • Severe Crossbites – This occurs when the upper back teeth close inside of the lower teeth. This condition is treated with a palatal expander. A palatal expander can gradually and painlessly widen the upper jaw.

  • Severe Crowding – When there’s not enough room in a person’s mouth to accommodate all of the teeth properly, this is what’s known as crowding. Dr. Stock may recommend tooth extractions to help with crowding.

  • Severe Underbites – When the lower jaw grows larger than the upper jaw, it results in an underbite. This condition is typically treated with braces or headgear.

Come Visit Your Orthodontist in Iowa City!

To schedule a visit to see if your child will need early orthodontic treatment, please feel free to fill out our complimentary exam form. Alternatively, you can give your orthodontist in Iowa City a call at (319) 338-8658. We hope to see you soon!