Even though the majority of patients our Steele Creek, NC, orthodontists see are teenagers and adults, it’s important for everyone to understand the significance of early evaluation for children. Many parents put off early orthodontic evaluation for a variety of reasons, but if you have a child, it’s a crucial step toward providing them with a lifelong healthy smile and increased self-confidence.

What Is an Early Evaluation?

If you take a look around, you may notice that many more children have braces today than in past years. This is largely due to advancements in the world of modern orthodontics and the rise of early evaluation treatment. Also known as interceptive orthodontics, early evaluation offers treatment that begins while a child is still growing. Our orthodontists use early evaluation to help a child’s teeth grow into the proper position, plus address any dental problems or jaw irregularities early on, while the primary teeth are present

When Does Your Child Need an Early Evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by the age of seven. Why age seven? According to our Steele Creek, NC, orthodontists, this is the age when bite issues become noticeable as permanent, adult teeth begin to erupt.

You may notice your child’s teeth growing in crooked, overcrowding, or even extra space between teeth. There are also certain cases when teeth may protrude or even be missing. These dental issues can happen naturally or as a result of oral habits, like thumb-sucking and mouth breathing. Early evaluation allows an orthodontic professional to assess your child’s specific needs

See Our Steele Creek, NC, Orthodontists for More Information

In many cases, braces are still needed later in life, but early evaluation can shorten and simplify the process. It’s important to note that not all dental issues are treatable through early orthodontic evaluation, so contact our office for more information or to schedule a consultation for your child. We’re always ready to help you or your child achieve your best smiles!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact Burrow Welchel & Culp Orthodontics by calling (704) 334-7202 to reach our offices. You may also click here to use our convenient online form.