What age should my child see an orthodontist?

Orthodontics is really for all ages; however, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist by age seven. By this age most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth which will make it easier for the orthodontist to correct any tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.

For parents, it may not always be easy to know if your child needs orthodontic care. Here are a few signs you can look for that may indicate a need for orthodontic treatment:

• Early/late loss of baby teeth (on average, children begin losing teeth at age 5, and have lost all their teeth by age 13)
  
• If your child has a hard time chewing or biting food
  
• Mouth breathing
  
• Constant finger or thumb sucking
  
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
  
• Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
  
• Teeth that come together abnormally, or teeth that do not come together at all
  
• Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face (either too small or too big)
  

• Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw
  
• Help guide your child's permanent teeth into place
  
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches inside the mouth
  
• Create extra space for crowded teeth
  
• Avoid the need for your child to have permanent tooth extractions later in life
  
• Correct thumb and finger sucking
  
• Help improve any minor speech impediments