Highlands Ranch Orthodontics Blog

How to know if your child needs orthodontic treatment

There isn’t a specific age at which children should start undergoing orthodontic treatment. However at around seven years old, your child will have grown out enough of their permanent teeth and his or her jaw will have developed enough to tell if there are any current issues... or any on the horizon.

 

There are many benefits to getting orthodontic treatment as a child, including shorter treatment time, fewer impacted permanent teeth and reduced chance of needing to remove teeth. This is  because as specialists we can:

• Guide teeth into desired positions early

• Minimize crowding/creating room for erupting teeth

• Guide jaw growth

• Correct the results of oral habits like thumb and finger sucking

Are there any signs I should look for?

 

Yes, definitely! Here are some of the signs you should keep an eye out for as your child approaches age 7:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Difficulty chewing or biting into food

• Grinding and/or clenching of teeth

• Mouth breathing

• Speech difficulties

• Thumb or other finger sucking habit

• Crowding, misplacement, or blocking of teeth

• Jaw shifts or jaw noises like popping

• Protruding of teeth

• Biting the inside of his or her cheek

• Teeth meet abnormally or do not meet at all

• Jaw and teeth do not appear to be proportionate to the face

 

Keep in mind that these signs do not guarantee that your child needs treatment, but they may indicate that an orthodontic evaluation may be a good idea.

Do some of these signs look familiar to you?

 

Have no fear, your child will be in good hands with Dr. Havener! Since the initial days of orthodontic practice, Dr. Havener has enjoyed working with specialists from other disciplines of dentistry. Every year, he receives patient referrals from dentists and other specialists who seek orthodontic solutions to all types of cases. He thrives on working with these doctors to provide interdisciplinary collaboration in helping patients find solutions to their specific needs. Although Highlands Ranch Orthodontics serves patients of all ages and levels of need, Dr. Havener has specific training in early orthodontic treatment and can determine the best time and treatment for you child.

Dr. Havener’s patient care philosophy and practice are influenced by his participation in the medical community; he actively contributes his expertise to nonprofits and organizations.

Think your child may need an orthodontic evaluation?

Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation in order to find out if your child could benefit from early orthodontic treatment! At Highlands Ranch Orthodontics, our early treatment can help give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for more self-esteem as they go through their teenage years and through adulthood!