Wondering when to take your child to the orthodontist? Here are a few reasons to schedule an appointment now:

Early intervention is key

A lot of parents ask when is the best time to see an orthodontist regarding braces. While there is no concrete answer, most clinicians recommend 7 years of age as there are a good number of permanent teeth present for an orthodontist to perform an assessment and evaluate potential problems.

Using x-rays, photos, 3D scans as well as a physical examination, orthodontists can identify, extra teeth, missing teeth, teeth coming at odd angles as well as assess growth potentials to determine the best timing and modality of treatment. Early treatment can prevent more serious problems from developing which can require more extensive and expensive treatment.

Early detection matters

Parents often notice when something seems a little off with their children, be it what they are eating, how they are growing and in regards to the mouth, they notice crooked teeth, difficulties with eating and swallowing, snoring or other issues that just don’t seem right. The majority of what happens in the mouth occurs below the surface. Orthodontists are trained to use x-rays, photographs, 3D scans and more to detect possible problems and provide solutions to fix them.

Who to see

Your family dentist may pick up some orthodontic issues and organise a referral for an assessment with an orthodontist. You do not need a referral to visit an orthodontist.

By having an assessment and treatment performed by a registered specialist orthodontist such as Dr. Carolyn, you can be assured of a healthy, balanced and beautiful smile. She has undergone an additional 3 years of full time training after becoming a dentist, in the field of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics and has the skills and expertise in creating amazing smiles.