How to know when your child needs to see an orthodontist?

It’s not always easy to know if your child needs braces or not, which is why we recommend bringing your child to your local orthodontist for an expert exam. In agreement with The American Association of Orthodontists, we recommend that a child have their first orthodontic examination at age 7. At Orthodontic Specialists of Southern Minnesota, we offer complimentary exam appointments.

Signs that your child may need braces:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Misaligned jaw and improper bite

  • Overbite: when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth

  • Underbite: when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth

  • Crossbite: when the upper teeth and lower teeth are misaligned

• Crowded teeth or irregular teeth alignment

• Prolonged habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing

• Problems with chewing or biting

Misconceptions about early orthodontic treatment:

1. A child cannot be seen by an orthodontist if there are still baby teeth present.

A child can certainly be seen prior to losing all of their baby teeth. In fact, it is recommended that children have their first orthodontic exam at age 7. This allows the orthodontist to determine if early orthodontic treatment is needed at an early age. Learn more about Phase 1 orthodontics is here.

2. I need a referral from a dentist to schedule an appointment for my child.

At Orthodontic Specialists of Southern Minnesota, we do not require referrals. Our exams are also complimentary.

3. There’s no reason to have an orthodontic exam at an early age.

While treatment is not typically needed as early as age seven, it is still best to have your child in for their first exam around this time. If early treatment is needed for your child, it can significantly prevent or minimize current problems from becoming large problems in the future.