Should I Take My Child To See An Orthodontist?
Children’s smiles are some of the most wonderful things to photograph in the world. Your child’s smile may instantly make you laugh, smile, or brighten your day. As your child gets older and their permanent teeth begin to come in, you may worry about their smiles and whether they will need orthodontic work in the future. Will they need a visit to an orthodontist?
What Does Your Dentist Say?
Usually, the first person to ask about your child’s teeth is their dentist. Dentists recommend that children begin seeing them when their baby teeth begin to erupt or around their first birthday. Your dentist will have pictures and x-rays that document your child’s teeth. The next time you visit the dentist, you should ask about your child’s teeth. In general, dentists begin to talk to parents about orthodontics when the child is around the age of seven, especially if the child will need years of orthodonture.
What Have You Noticed?
As a parent, you are constantly watching for signs that your child is happy and healthy. As their baby teeth fall out and they get permanent teeth, you may have noticed some problems with your child’s smile. For example, you may observe that your child has a small mouth and large teeth that are crowding on top of each other. You might notice the permanent teeth have not come in straight. You may even notice that your child’s teeth don’t line up properly when they are biting down or closing their mouths. If you think your child may have issues with their bite or their permanent teeth, you should ask the dentist during your child’s next dental visit.
Try Not To Worry
If you are worried about your child’s smile, keep in mind that all tooth problems can be fixed with the help of a dentist or an orthodontist. It is never too early to ask questions and begin thinking about corrective measures to make sure your child has a bright, healthy smile for life.
