Why Should You See An Orthodontist By Age 7?

While orthodontic treatment can benefit patients of all ages, including adults, it is always best for a child to receive his or her first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. While this may seem early, there is good reason for it. By the time the child reaches the age of 7, he/she has a good mix of baby and adult teeth. This allows Dr. Haney to detect subtle problems with jaw growth and developing adult teeth while some baby teeth are still present. 

Some orthodontic problems are easier and less complicated to treat when they are detected early in life. This is why we encourage parents to have their children seen by an orthodontist by the time they reach the age of 7. We are proud to be a leading San Anselmo pediatric orthodontics practice that provides outstanding care and treatment to our youngest patients. 

Pediatric Orthodontics Can Play a Vital Role in a Child’s Development

When a child receives an early orthodontic evaluation, the orthodontist can identify crowded or crooked teeth and actively intervene to guide the permanent teeth as they come in. The advantages of orthodontic treatment go much further than just appearance alone. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can straighten crooked teeth, guide teeth into their correct positions, correct bite problems and even prevent the need for tooth extractions. Straight teeth are attractive, easy to keep clean and less prone to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Dr. Haney is a San Rafael pediatric orthodontist who loves seeing children in our office! By working with the natural growth of your child instead of against it, we can prevent orthodontic problems form getting worse and give your child the opportunity to have a healthy smile that will last him or her a lifetime.

What Can Early Orthodontic Intervention Help With?

• Early orthodontic intervention can help:
• Guide jaw growth
• Guide permanent teeth into their desired locations
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
• Lower the risk of trauma to front teeth which protrude 
• Correct harmful oral habits 
• Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
• Improve personal appearance and self-esteem​
• Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later orthodontic treatment ​
• Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
• Preserve or gain space for permanent teeth that are yet to come in

Visit Your San Anselmo Pediatric Orthodontist

If you have questions about your child’s orthodontic health, or to schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation, please contact us or complete our easy online form. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon! We offer a wide variety of treatment options from San Rafael kids braces to Invisalign for adults so please consider us for all your family’s orthodontic needs!

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