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Growing smiles
Why Start Early?What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Why?
Because by then, the jaw and facial bones are still developing—and early detection of bite issues, crowding, or jaw misalignment allows us to guide growth in a more effective, less invasive way. Starting early doesn’t always mean starting treatment, but it gives us a chance to catch small problems before they become big ones.
Early evaluations can also help create space for adult teeth, avoid the need for extractions later, and correct harmful habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing. At Tingey Orthodontics, we use a gentle, personalized approach that helps set your child up for long-term success—not just a straighter smile, but better function, airway health, and confidence for years to come.
How to tell if your child may need early orthodontic treatment:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)
- Difficulty chewing and/or biting
- Mouth-breathing
- Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five
- Speech impediments
- Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)
- Teeth that don't come together in a normal manner or even at all
- Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
What causes orthodontic problems, and how will early treatment benefit my child?
Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.
Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 13, and by the end of their teen years, the jawbones will harden and stop growing. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can help prevent the need for orthodontics as an adult, leaving little to no chance of extraction or surgery in the future.
If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child's smile.
