It’s Children’s Dental Health Month! When Should Kids First See an Orthodontist?
Our Smile Team at docbraces Truro is so excited to celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month this February, and we wanted to tell you about one of the crucial ways you can ensure your child is equipped with a healthy, happy smile as they grow into a young adult and beyond.
An early assessment by an orthodontic specialist is key to catching potential tooth and mouth problems early on. A question we are asked regularly is: at what age should a child first see an orthodontist? While we can’t tell you exactly when they might (or might not) need braces — that’s different for everyone — one thing we can say for sure is that the latest recommended age for an initial visit is 7. Yes, age 7! The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child see an orthodontic specialist “no later than age 7.” There are many reasons why this early appointment can mean better dental health outcomes for your child. At this age, the orthodontist can assess the development of the jaw and the permanent teeth as they’re still growing, meaning it’s easier to address any complex issues before they cause long-term problems.
What are the benefits of early assessment?
Early identification of potential problems, such as thumb-sucking or crowding and naturally narrow arches, might mean that children can take advantage of more minimal orthodontic appliances to help their teeth grow into better positions. This can reduce the need for braces or more invasive orthodontic treatment in the future. As we always say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! When children begin treatment while their jaws and teeth are still in development, the results can happen more quickly and be less likely to relapse later on. Plus, a healthy, beautiful smile can improve their self-image and increase their confidence.
What can you expect at your first visit to docbraces Truro?
Your child’s first visit to docbraces Truro will be their FREE consultation appointment. You will meet with our friendly team, our treatment coordinator, and our Orthodontist, Dr. Gautam Matta. This visit includes free X-rays, photos, and an examination of your child’s jaws and teeth. Once the exam is complete, Dr. Matta will discuss any issues of concern with you and let you know whether they’ll need to be addressed now or at a later age.
What are the costs involved in orthodontic treatment?
Everyone’s teeth are different, so costs vary between patients. If starting treatment is recommended, we will discuss all the options with you at the consultation. At docbraces, we continuously strive to be a step above the rest. We offer our patients innovative treatment plans along with interest-free payment plans, family discounts, and direct billing to your insurance company.
We look forward to meeting you!
We have offices all over Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI (and even across Canada). If your child is 7 years old, contact docbraces today to schedule a complimentary consultation with an expert orthodontist at a location near you. We are so excited to help put your child on track toward a healthy, confident smile for life!
docbraces Truro
539 Prince Street
Truro, NS B2N 1E8
902-895-1737
truro@docbraces.com
