Do you know what the best age is to bring your child to their first orthodontic evaluation?
We can guess that most people would think it is in their early teens. One of the things we hear all the time in our office is: “I can’t schedule my child yet because they haven’t lost all their baby teeth.” However, the recommended age for a child’s first orthodontic checkup is seven years old. Even if your child’s teeth seem straight, there may be an underlying issue that only the orthodontist can detect.
This is why Mack and Hansen Orthodontics in Longview, TX and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend every child to see an orthodontist by the age of seven years old. We want to make sure everyone from the dentist to the parents understands the importance of these early evaluations.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, there are many reasons why your child should be seen by age seven. First of all, Dr. Spencer Mack or Dr. Andrew Hansen can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Your child’s check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. On the other hand, our orthodontists may identify a developing problem that can be monitored with your child’s growth and development and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for your child. In certain situations, Dr. Mack or Dr. Hansen might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment and be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. It also allows our orthodontists to
– guide jaw growth
– lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
– correct harmful oral habits
– improve appearance
– guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
– improve the way lips meet
Our orthodontic consultations are ALWAYS complimentary, so you don’t have to worry about any cost or insurance claims taking anything away from your benefits. We just want to make sure we are doing what is best for your child. Have no fear, if your child doesn’t need braces we will simply follow up with them monitor their growth through set appointments ranging from 6-month to 12-month intervals. When they are ready for braces, we give you and your child all the information needed about their treatment.
Please feel free to call our orthodontic office here in Longview, TX at 903-212-7737 with any questions you may have. We will be happy to answer those questions and look forward to giving you and your family “Something to Smile About.”
If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.
