Early orthodontic evaluations are crucial in spotting potential dental issues before they become major problems. At Kids Dental Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Bosede Adeniji leads our team in providing comprehensive oral healthcare from infancy through adolescence.
We’re proud to be your partner in supporting your child’s oral health, and one of the most important aspects of that is early orthodontic evaluations.
Early orthodontic evaluations are appointments with a pediatric dentist or orthodontist to screen for early signs of potential dental problems like bite misalignment and crowded teeth.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that every child see an orthodontist by age 7.
Many parents may think, “Age 7? But that’s so young! My child still has some of their baby teeth at that age!” It’s true that your child still has mixed dentition — a combination of baby and permanent teeth — at age 7, and that’s actually why it’s the perfect time for an evaluation.
This early look allows Dr. Adeniji to get a preview of how the rest of your child’s baby teeth will likely erupt. This stage is the ideal time to screen for problems, such as:
Problems like these are easiest to treat early, while your child’s mouth is still growing. After adolescence, their jaw and teeth patterns are set. That’s why adults usually need braces for longer than younger kids.
Ultimately, this means early orthodontic evaluations can reduce the need for later treatment by course-correcting now instead of trying to repair the damage later.
As mentioned above, an early orthodontic evaluation can shorten, or in some cases, eliminate the need for more advanced interventions later in life. But that’s not the only advantage.
Early orthodontic evaluations can potentially be a cost saver. You’ve probably heard, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Early orthodontic evaluations are a great example, as they’re a preventive measure that could save you considerable cash when your child hits their teens.
Your child’s self-esteem can also benefit. Studies show that children who have straight smiles generally enjoy a better quality of life compared to those who have severe untreated orthodontic issues. A straight smile can help your child enjoy better oral health and possibly help them avoid painful teasing or bullying, too.
At Kids Dental Center, we understand the concerns parents may have about starting orthodontic care at a young age. Dr. Adeniji and our team explain everything you need to know, and we support you and your child at every stage.
Call Kids Dental Center today at 301-345-2881 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bosede Adeniji at our Greenbelt, Maryland, office.
