When Should My Child Be Evaluated For Braces?

If your child has crooked or misaligned teeth, braces can help solve the problem. Your child’s orthodontist in Columbia, SC, can help. At Tompkins Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic treatment to help our patients realign their teeth and jaw. Braces are a tried-and-true product that has been helping patients improve their smile for decades.

It’s important to get your child evaluated for braces as soon as they’re old enough. Knowing when your child is old enough is crucial for getting your child to the orthodontist at the appropriate time.

When to Evaluate For Braces

Kids can be evaluated for braces as early as 7 years old. Some kids get orthodontic treatment before they’ve lost all their baby teeth.

Is Earlier Better?

Earlier is better when you’re getting your child orthodontic treatment. Waiting a long time to get your child evaluated for braces can cause the problem to get worse, so your child will have a longer treatment time. Getting your child to the orthodontist early can save money and time.

Who Needs to Be Evaluated?

The majority of children can benefit from orthodontic treatment. It’s estimated that 50 to 70 percent of children in the U.S. will wear braces at some point. Taking your child for an orthodontic evaluation can help you determine whether your child will be one of the millions who will wear braces before they’re an adult.

Signs Your Child Needs Evaluation

Knowing the signs that your child needs braces can help you decide when it’s time to get to the orthodontist.

• The dentist recommends it. Many parents wait until their child’s dentist recommends an orthodontic evaluation. If you think that your child needs an orthodontic evaluation and the dentist hasn’t said anything, ask them.
• Your child’s teeth are visibly crooked or crowded. You’ll be able to see if your child’s teeth are crooked, misaligned, or crowding in on themselves.
• Your child often bites the inside of their mouth. If your child regularly bites the inside of their mouth – unintentionally – this could be a sign that their bite is misaligned.

Does your child need a braces evaluation in Columbia, SC? Call today to make an appointment!