When Should I Schedule My Child’s First Orthodontic Appointment?

As parents, one of the most important duties we have is to care for the health and well-being of our children. Part of that involves ensuring they receive proper dental care from a young age, including addressing any potential orthodontic issues. While straightening crooked teeth with braces or Invisalign® may seem like something to worry about in the teenage years, the American Association of Orthodontists actually recommends scheduling a child’s first evaluation as early as age seven.

At this initial visit, our Stone Oak orthodontists can assess the development of your child’s mouth and check for any emerging problems like an overbite, underbite, or spacing issues. In this blog post, Stone Oak Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics will explore the top reasons why seven is the ideal age range for scheduling that first orthodontic appointment and explain why catching developing alignment issues is so important for your child’s long-term health and smile.

Proactively Prevent Problems

Getting an expert orthodontic opinion early on can be the key to preventing potential issues down the road. By consulting with our Stone Oak orthodontist, parents can gain a better understanding of their child’s teeth and receive recommendations for any treatment that may be needed in the future. This early intervention not only allows parents to be proactive but also provides the orthodontist with a baseline to monitor any subtle changes over time. By catching any potential issues early on, we can proactively prevent severe jaw issues and misalignment problems, ensuring our child’s dental health is in the best possible hands.

Monitor Growth & Development

Your child uses their teeth to eat balanced meals, speak with their peers, and complete other daily tasks. Ensuring that your child grows up with healthy teeth and proper alignment is a crucial aspect of their overall well-being. Early orthodontic appointments are a great way to monitor your child’s growth and development, allowing you to stay ahead of any potential issues before they become more serious.

Insurance Coverage

Orthodontic treatment has become increasingly popular over the years, especially for those under the age of 18. This is due in part to the fact that many insurance companies only cover orthodontic treatment before this age. Therefore, it is essential to start treatment early in order to take full advantage of your insurance benefits.

Early orthodontic appointments can help identify any potential issues with your teeth and jaw, which can then be addressed before they become more serious. Starting treatment early can also result in less complicated and shorter treatment overall. By being proactive and starting treatment at a young age, you can better ensure that your kid maintains a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.

Book Your Kid’s First Orthodontic Appointment

Early orthodontic screenings are painless, non-invasive, and typically take just a few minutes. If you want to give your child the best possible start in life, consider scheduling an early orthodontic appointment today! Contact Stone Oak Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for more information.