Problems to Watch for in Growing Children

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

Here's Why:

Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
A check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child's growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance 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
- Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you'll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

If your child is older than 7, it's certainly not too late for a check-up.

Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist's goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

Malocclusions ("bad bites") like those illustrated below, may benefit from early diagnosis and referral to an orthodontic specialist for a full evaluation.
Crossbite of Front Teeth Top teeth are behind bottom teeth	Crossbite of Back Teeth Top teeth are to the inside of bottom teeth	Crowding
Open Bite Front teeth do not meet when back teeth are closed	Protrusion	Deep Bite
Underbite The lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth when back teeth are closed	Spacing	Oral Habits Sucking on thumb, fingers

In Addition

If you notice any of the following in your child, check with your orthodontist:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty in chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Speech difficulties
Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
Facial imbalance
Grinding or clenching of the teeth

Final treatment decisions should be made among the parent, child's dentist and orthodontist.