Why should children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7?
By age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that the orthodontist can identify current problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parent’s concerns if all seems normal. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by age 7, and cross bites, crowding and developing injury-prone dental protrusions can be evaluated. Any ongoing finger sucking or other oral habits can be assessed at this time also.
By age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that Dr. Patel can identify current problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parents’ concerns, if all seems normal. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by age 7 and if the patient has a crossbite, crowding and developing injury-prone dental protrusions, Dr. Patel can evaluate these problems. Any other habits such as finger sucking or other oral habits can be assessed at this time.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists by age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that the dentist can identify current problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parents’ concerns if all seems normal. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by age 7 and cross bites, crowding and developing injury-prone dental protrusions can be evaluated. Any ongoing finger sucking or other oral habits can be assessed at this time also.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an initial orthodontic screening by the age of 7, as by this age all of the permanent incisors (front teeth) as well as the permanent first molars should have erupted. If inadequate space exists, some of these teeth could become impacted. An evaluation at this time helps identify problems with eruptions. Also at this time, Dr. Burkey can evaluate growth discrepancies of the jaws, crossbites (when upper teeth hit inside the lower teeth), crowding, and the development of injury-prone dental protrusions. An early orthodontic screening enables Dr. Burkey to advise you if treatment will even be necessary, and if so, determine the best time for your child to be treated. There is no charge for an initial examination or for supervision reassessment examinations.
By age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that the dentist or orthodontist can identify current problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parents’ concerns if all seems normal. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by age 7, and crossbites, crowding and developing injury-prone dental protrusions can be evaluated. Any ongoing finger sucking or other oral habits can be assessed at this time also.
