Reviewed by Dr. Brian Patterson, DDS, Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
There is no single age when every child should start orthodontic treatment. But around age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and the jaw has developed enough for an orthodontist to spot current issues, or ones on the horizon. That is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Why Early Evaluation Helps
Catching concerns early can mean shorter treatment, fewer impacted permanent teeth, and less chance of needing extractions, because we can:
- Guide teeth into better positions early
- Create room for erupting teeth and ease crowding
- Guide jaw growth
- Address habits like thumb or finger sucking
Signs to Watch For
These do not guarantee your child needs treatment, but they are good reasons for an evaluation:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Grinding or clenching
- Mouth breathing
- Speech difficulties
- A thumb or finger sucking habit
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaw shifts or popping sounds
- Protruding teeth
- Biting the inside of the cheek
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- A jaw and teeth that look out of proportion to the face
See Something Familiar?
Your child will be in good hands. The Smiles for Maine team has built a family-oriented, technology-forward practice. If your child is not yet ready for treatment, our complimentary Smiles4ME Kids Club lets us monitor their growth and start care at the perfect time.
Request a complimentary evaluation or call (207) 873-7425. Smiles for Maine Orthodontics, Waterville, ME.
Meet Dr. Brian Patterson
Dr. Brian is a 2016 graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, where he was a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society. He completed his master’s degree and orthodontic certificate at Saint Louis University in 2018, where he was awarded best clinician in his class. He is a member of the Maine Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists, and a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Read more about Dr. Brian.