Why Age 7?

Even though most people think of teens when they think of orthodontics, there are good reasons your child should get an orthodontic evaluation much sooner. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

Here are several reasons:

  1. Dr. Moin can spot slight problems with jaw growth and new emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
  2. While your child’s teeth may look straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
  3. The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, Dr. Moin may identify a developing problem and recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the she might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
  4. Treatment early on may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
  5. In some cases, Dr. Moin will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:

  • guide jaw growth
  • lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
  • correct harmful oral habits
  • improve appearance
  • guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
  • improve the way lips meet

Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile. Because patients differ in both dental development and treatment needs, Dr. Moin’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.