Pediatric Orthodontics

[atlnewf]

At what age do you get your child into an orthodontist? My son is 7 and has definite crooked teeth. My dentist (the one my family sees) isn't really a pediatric dentist, though he's been caring for my kids' teeth. I was thinking I'd go ahead and get him examined, but didn't know if he's too young yet.

Ashley

 

[vatchr]

We've been seeing a pediatric dentist for three years, and my six year old just started orthodontic treatments this past month. She has LOTS of 'teeth issues" and our dentist recommended it, and she now has a top and bottom retainer to start moving the teeth.

 

[barkley]

does he have all his adult teeth yet? that can make a huge difference in appearance. dd is 12 and now has all adult and i am amazed at how they've moved around and straightened up as the last few came in. i had braces as a kid and as an adult (and tmj surgery) so i am pretty proactive on getting the help if needed, but our dentist says unless there's a major issue they don't usualy refer to orthodonics until the bulk of adult teeth are in.

 

[ead79]

As a child I went to a pediatric orthodontist/dentist. I got my braces when I was 8, so I would say it's not too early to start. I know my dentist felt that it's best to start as early as possible. I notice you're in the Atlanta area. I can recommend a great pediatric orthodontist/dentist--if you're interested just send me a PM.

 

[lisajl]

My 12 year old son has had braces for 2 years. We are hoping they will come off before Christmas. My 9 year old son, has a check up every 6 months at the same orthodontist. He does not charge us yet, but he knows Sean will need braces, too. He recommended that we get two baby teeth pulled and our dentist agreed. Sean had both pulled and it helped make more room.
So, in answer to your question, get a second opinion and go from there.
I am all for getting it done earlier. Our ortho. said that most high school kids do not take care of their teeth very well. The braces make it too tough, they are in too much of a hurry, etc. That is why he likes to start them early, but still make sure it is not too young.

Lisa

 

[Barb D]

We took DD6 to see two orthodontists a few months ago. Her dentist recommended it. Both said she doesn't need anything yet, but will soon. The consultations were free.

BTW, we visited two because we wanted to be sure that we'd have a good fit with someone we'll be spending lots of time and money with over the years. We liked both of them, but DD clicked better with one, and that one happened to be both closer to her school and more thorough in the initial consultation. We'll be going with that one.

 

[Hedy]

At what age do you get your child into an orthodontist? My son is 7 and has definite crooked teeth. My dentist (the one my family sees) isn't really a pediatric dentist, though he's been caring for my kids' teeth. I was thinking I'd go ahead and get him examined, but didn't know if he's too young yet.

Ashley

I was fortunate that my dentist was attached to my orthodontist. I started on orthodonics (pre-braces) in third grade, and had braces before I had all my adult teeth (my mouth was a mess).

 

[hlbtimes2]

We took our dd in when she was 6. She had some teeth crowding in on the bottom. The ortho recomended she have two teeth pulled. It really helped. She is 8 now and they said this is a good time to bring her back in for a consulation. They said they should be able to tell a lot by this point.

 

[sugarpie]

I've been wondering about the same thing. My 4 year old fell and knocked her 2 front teeth loose but our dentist didn't feel she needed to see anyone about it, that they would either firm up or not and there was nothing to be done. They did firm up but now they're completely crooked and make it diificult for her to bite food and close her mouth.

 

[4chitlins]

My DD is 11 and has all of her adult teeth. She is seeing an orthodontist now and will have braces put on in the fall

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I do a lot of babysitting in an affulent area, and almost all kids are checked out by an ortho around age 7. I know many six year olds already with braces on what adult teeth they have already, usually the front four. I know many other 6 and 7 year olds with palate expanders or retainer-like devices already. It is accepted practice around here to start very early orthondontics, as parents want their kids to look good, who wouldn't? 7 seems to be a common age to get treatment started, or to at least get a full work-up so a plan can be set up for the child's future treatment.

 

[atlnewf]

He does actually have a lot of his adult teeth. My current dentist hasn't recommended an orthodontist yet. I'm thinking right now of just going in for a consultation and see what they say, but wasm't sure about the age thing. He already knows he'll have to have braces at some point and was asking when he'd get them.

Ashley

 

[golfgal]

Our ortho would probably want to see him now, especially if he has a lot of his adult teeth. Our ortho would do free yearly check ups to determine when the appropriate time was to start ortho work. If your son needs any expanders or anything like that, they would do that now while he is still growing fast. I would make an appointment with an ortho for an evaluation.

 

[SillyMe]

I would take him for an evaluation for the simple fact that you want to make sure he has enough room in his mouth for all his teeth. Their jaw is easier to correct when they're young. My daughter went thru this. She had the expander on. They can only move it until a certain age, then you need surgery to expand it.

 

[fivefordisney]

Yes, go for the consultation... I have a family friend who is both a pediatric dentist and an orthodontist. In fact, there are very few in PA that are both ped dentist and orthodontist. You would think that I would be on top of things, right? Well, I missed a six month check-up and just got my kids there in July. In the year between visits, my DD10 lost many teeth and began to get her 12 yr old molars. My friend told me if I had waited a few more weeks, DD10 would not be able to get an expander and would have to have teeth pulled instead!

Thankfully, we have the expander. He also showed me the expander my DD7 will be getting in a few years.

I think that there are so many advances in this area... Not many kids have "headgear" anymore, but there are a number of different types of expanders that do the same job. Also, pulling teeth is often avoided by using the expanders...

Go for the consultation. It will put your mind at ease. Good luck!!