Establishing Trust and a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles From the Start
As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health and development. Did you know dental experts recommend scheduling your child’s first orthodontic evaluation around age seven? Known as the “golden age” for orthodontic screening, this important visit allows an experienced orthodontist to assess your child’s bite, jaw growth, and tooth alignment. Catching orthodontic issues early leads to better treatment outcomes.
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, Dr. Frank DeQuattro and our caring team strive to make your child’s first orthodontic appointment fun, comfortable, and educational. We’ll gently evaluate their needs while helping instill positive associations with orthodontic care. By proactively monitoring development now, you’re investing in a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Contact us today at (401) 783-9890 for the Wakefield dental office or (401) 596-2264 for the Westerly office to schedule.
The Importance of Early Orthodontic Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists (ADA) recommends children receive their first orthodontic screening no later than age seven. For most kids, this “golden age” evaluation doesn’t lead to immediate treatment. However, it provides our orthodontic specialists an opportunity to:
- Monitor facial growth and jaw development patterns
- Check for emerging bite issues, crowding, or misalignments
- Assess harmful oral habits like thumb-sucking
- Determine if early preventative treatment is beneficial
- Plan timing for any future orthodontic needs
Detecting orthodontic problems early allows us to simplify treatment and achieve optimal results. Many issues are far easier to correct while a child’s mouth is still developing.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Care
Some potential indications your child could benefit from an orthodontic evaluation include:
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Jaws shifting out of alignment
- Irregular loss of baby teeth
- Thumb-sucking habits after age three
If you notice any of these orthodontic red flags, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation. Call our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264 to schedule an appointment. Addressing issues proactively can help prevent more complex treatment down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any dentist provide orthodontic care for children?
While pediatric dentists play an invaluable role in dental health, only an orthodontic specialist has the specific training to properly evaluate your child’s bite, facial development, and orthodontic needs. Their expertise ensures issues are identified promptly.
When should my child get braces?
Most children don’t need braces or orthodontic appliances until all permanent teeth have erupted around age 12. However, scheduling an initial evaluation by age seven allows us to monitor development and plan the next steps.
Do orthodontic issues need early treatment?
Not necessarily – many kids simply need periodic monitoring as they grow. However, sometimes early preventative treatment can simplify or even eliminate the need for later comprehensive orthodontics. We’ll discuss the optimal approach for your child.
Get Your Child’s Smile On Track Today
With convenient locations in both Wakefield and Westerly, the caring team at DeQuattro Orthodontics makes it easy to prioritize your child’s orthodontic health. We provide personalized care for every young smile we treat.
Call our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264, or fill out our online contact form to request your child’s first evaluation. Investing in their orthodontic health now can pay dividends for years to come!