All children should be seen for an initial orthodontic examination by Age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontics.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Correct thumb-sucking and other dental habits
- Possibly avoided the need for permanent teeth extractions
- Improve esthetics and self-esteem
Problems to watch out for in growing children:
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Thumb sucking past age 5
- Speech difficulties
- Protruding teeth (top teeth that stick out)
- Crowding of the front teeth
If you know of a child that has not been seen by an orthodontic specialist by age seven recommend that they visit Dr. Gorkowitz for a free consultation.
Teen Braces
By age 12, most if not all of the permanent teeth have erupted and crooked teeth, gaps and bad bites can easily be treated. As orthodontics is traditionally associated with adolescence, teenagers may be less apprehensive about the appearance of wearing braces than adults. Additionally, teenagers tend to have high metabolisms, which may help expedite orthodontic treatment.
While it’s never too late for orthodontic treatment, having braces as a teen let’s us take advantage of the natural growth happening during these important developmental years.