Dr. Struhs and his team provide pediatric orthodontics to Parker and Castle Rock, CO so you can get ahead of any potential orthodontic issues your children might have.
At What Age Should a Child See an Orthodontist?
While you might think your children are too young for orthodontic treatment, it’s actually best to have your child see an orthodontist by the age of seven. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children should have a check-in with an orthodontist by age seven.
Does this mean that every single child at the age of seven needs orthodontic treatment? No, it doesn’t! However, it’s helpful to make sure your child is seen by an orthodontist to get ahead of any potential issues. Pediatric orthodontics is more of a preventative measure to plan out future treatments and to ensure their current bite and teeth growth pattern is healthy.
What Does a Pediatric Orthodontist Do?
With pediatric orthodontic visits, Dr. Struhs will identify any current problems with new teeth, jaw growth, and bite. While we might not recommend orthodontic treatment at this time, it’s beneficial to understand whether or not your child’s early orthodontic issues need treatment now or if they can wait until later.
The benefit of seeking treatment early is that we can catch and treat problems early, while your child’s jaw and teeth are still growing. Pediatric orthodontic treatment includes:
- Making space for adult teeth that haven’t emerged yet
- Guiding jaw growth to create a straight, symmetrical smile
- Making room for crowded teeth
- Reduce the treatment time of future orthodontic work, such as braces
How Do I Know if My Child Needs Pediatric Orthodontics?
While we recommend pediatric orthodontic visits for all children around the age of seven, there are a few warning signs your child needs the attention of an orthodontist, such as:
- Protruding teeth
- Issues with chewing
- Crossbites, underbites, or overbites
- Crowded teeth
- Losing baby teeth too early (or too late!)
The signs above could be due to orthodontic problems. If your child is experiencing any of the above, it’s even more important to bring them in for a pediatric orthodontic appointment. Schedule their first appointment here!
Pediatric Orthodontics in Parker & Castle Rock, CO
When you bring your child to our practice, orthodontist Dr. Ted Struhs will be able to determine whether treatment is needed and when it should begin. If early orthodontic treatment is needed, we will create a personalized plan for your child’s orthodontic care to ensure they get the best possible results.
For more information and to set up your child’s FREE orthodontic consultation at our office, we invite you to request an appointment or call us today at 303-841-2262!