Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Early Orthodontic Evaluation
In Mansfield, TX, early orthodontic signs in children can be easy to overlook. It’s not uncommon for parents to think that orthodontics is more of a “teen” concern. What seems minor now may turn into a bigger concern as your child grows. The good news is that many childhood orthodontic issues can be quickly identified and sometimes corrected. And it gives parents valuable insight into their child’s dental development.
The Earlier, the Better
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that by age seven, children have an early orthodontic evaluation. At the same time, it’s best to start this process early; better late than never. If your child is older than seven, an orthodontic evaluation can still help us see how their teeth are developing and offer less invasive orthodontic treatments than when they’re older.
At Crosspointe Dental Orthodontic & Sleep Solutions, we encourage each parent to bring their child in to have an orthodontic evaluation before they turn seven years old. However, your child may benefit from an even earlier appointment if you notice one or more of the following:
- Early or late tooth loss
- Crowded baby teeth
- Jaw clicking, pain, or shifting
- Gaps between teeth
A Checklist to Prepare You and Your Child for an Orthodontic Evaluation
A child braces evaluation is one of the more common orthodontic evaluations, and if they’re placed early, they can help reduce the overall time your child needs them.
A few things to keep in mind that will be helpful to tell the orthodontist during your child’s early orthodontic or braces evaluation include:
- Any history of early or late tooth loss, thumb sucking, or prolonged pacifier use
- Any past dental notes with concerns or recent imaging
- Mouth breathing, snoring, or speech concerns
- Difficulty chewing or biting certain foods
- Jaw shifting, pain, or an uneven smile
Orthodontic Care with Crosspointe Dental Orthodontics & Sleep Solutions
Our team at Crosspointe Dental offers comprehensive orthodontic care for adolescents and adults in Mansfield, TX. Dr. Ashley Coerver and Dr. Brian Coerver both have extensive orthodontic experience and are committed to serving each patient with their best interests in mind.
By having your child evaluated by a skilled orthodontist at a young age, you can save more than money. Early intervention often means less invasive methods to correct orthodontic issues, which can save you and your child time, discomfort, and bigger issues as they get older.
Schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation today and come meet the team!