The Basics of Braces

When to Start

Do you think your child may need help with their crooked smile... someday? Were braces in your past and possibly in their future? You may be surprised at how young your child should be when you first need to start checking it out.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child get an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth, even while some baby teeth are present. A screening may tell parents whether or not a problem is developing.

In most cases, orthodontic work is not started right away. But, many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected early rather than waiting until jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean a patient will avoid surgery or other serious corrections later in life.

So if you think your grade-schooler may need braces sometime in the future, now is the time to get that checkup!