Although orthodontics is typically associated with adolescents, it is recommended that a child visits an orthodontist at the age of 7. Through an early exam with your orthodontist in our McMurray office, you can help to ensure the best possible dental health for your child and catch dental issues early before they can develop into more severe problems.
Early Warning Signs Your Child Needs an Orthodontic Exam
There are a variety of warning signs that indicate your child needs to have an orthodontic exam as soon as possible. These signs include:
- Open-mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Jaws that pop or click
- Crowding or overlapping of erupting permanent teeth
- Difficulty chewing
Development of protruding front teeth, overbite, underbite, or other bite development problems.
Age 7 is the recommended age for your child’s first exam, but if you notice any of the sign mentioned above, it is recommended that they have an orthodontic exam at a younger age.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment
With an early examination, your child’s orthodontic specialist can identify your child’s problem and determine how it can be treated with the smallest amount of expense and time. Early orthodontic treatment can also correct issues and provide results that may not be possible once your child’s face and jaws are finished growing.
Early examination and treatment will provide your child with a healthy smile. Malocclusions that are left untreated can lead to diseased gums, loss of teeth, and tooth decay, increasing costs for dental care.
Child Orthodontics McMurray
At Severns Dentistry and Orthodontics, we provide orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. Our expert orthodontists will evaluate your child to determine if early treatment should be started. You can trust the experienced and compassionate team at Severns to provide your child with the best dental care in McMurray and the surrounding Pittsburgh area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Following his graduation from dental school in 1997, Dr. Severns then completed a residency program at Allegheny General Hospital to learn further specialized procedures and advanced dentistry in order to better serve his patients and their oral health needs. Dr. Severns welcomes all dental patients and practices general, family, and cosmetic dentistry.
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