When it comes to orthodontics, you probably envision a teenager that’s about to complete high school. The stereotypical orthodontic patient is between 16 – 18 years old. But in reality, that’s not always the case! We have patients wearing braces as young as 10 years old, and we often see them for pre-orthodontic treatment as young as seven! Although we can’t truly say it’s never too early (they should at least have some adult teeth!), your child’s first orthodontic visit could be much sooner than you think!

When to See an Orthodontist

Your first visit to an orthodontist can come much earlier than the day your child gets braces put on. In some cases, a pediatric dentist will refer you to an orthodontist when your child starts to lose baby teeth and have adult teeth come in. They can also make this recommendation if they foresee severe issues in the future without immediate orthodontic treatment. Seeing an orthodontist at this early stage of dental growth can ensure that when the teeth come in, they are ready to begin the Canton orthodontics process. You’ll know it’s time to see an orthodontist if you notice any extreme dental issues such as overcrowding, frequently biting lips or cheeks while chewing, or large gaps between teeth.

When to Start Canton Orthodontics

The best time to get braces will depend on a variety of factors. For those who develop issues early, it’s not unheard of to get braces at seven to 10 years old. A majority of patients will likely start between ages 10 and 13. For those with few issues, a later start at 13 or over may work just as well. The goal for nearly all Canton orthodontics patients is to have the braces removed by the late teen years. Your dentist and orthodontist will work together to let you know when the right time for your child is.

Benefits of Seeing a Pediatric Dentist

Here at Nia Pediatric Dentistry, we are happy to offer both pediatric dentistry and orthodontic treatment to our patients. This makes it much easier to transition from children’s dentistry to a teen’s orthodontic treatment, and there’s no need to make an outside referral! Your child can continue to see the same doctor they’re used to, in the very same office! This helps to eliminate a lot of the anxiety children often have about getting braces.

Get Your Child Started Today!

To learn more about our Canton orthodontics services, and to schedule your child’s appointment, please give us a call at (770) 800-8986 or reach out to us online! We’ll be happy to get your child started on their orthodontic journey, whether or not they’ve seen us before! We also have a location in East Cobb if that is more convenient for you. No matter how you choose to visit us, we’ll be glad to see you!