When is my child old enough for a visit to Dr. April Lee at Burlingame Smile Studio? You’re likely wondering when it’s appropriate to first take your child to the orthodontist, and we at Burlingame Smile Studio can provide answers. In line with the America Association of Orthodontists, it is recommended that parents can start to bring their children in for an initial evaluation at age 7. At this time we can evaluate all your child’s tooth relationships and locate current and future problems, allowing us to decide on the ideal time for treatment. We don’t always start orthodontic treatment at this early age, but the point is that evaluating your child’s dental needs early on gives us the flexibility to plan and begin treatment at the right time.
Why is age seven the magic age?
It is easier to evaluate your child at age seven because this is typically when the back bite establishes itself. Once these first teeth grow in, Dr. Lee can evaluate all the tooth relationships in the mouth, allowing her to spot both current issues in the smile and things that may become a problem down the line. Then, depending on the specific needs of your child, Burlingame Smile Studio can decide to begin treatment right away or continue observing your child’s dental development until the perfect time for treatment.
Why would it be helpful for my child to get early orthodontic care?
Although early orthodontic care isn’t right for everyone it can be a great help in achieving a great smile for your child in the long term. The bones of the mouth are more flexible before than during the teenage years, which allows us to use specific devices to help the growth of the jaw and achieve a great smile.
For children who need it, early orthodontic care can come with a wide range of advantages:
- Reach a healthier, more beautiful smile
- Lessen the need for oral surgery
- Reduce the total time spent on braces
- Resolve bite issues like crossbite, overbite, or underbite
- Preserve protruding front teeth from getting damaged
- Lower the need for tooth extraction
- Effect jaw growth and improve facial symmetry
Contact Burlingame Smile Studio, serving Burlingame, Hillsborough, and Millbrae.
(650) 231-2680
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1740 Marco Polo Way Ste 12
Burlingame, California
94010
