Orthodontics for Children

While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, Dr Kari recommends evaluating the position of a child’s teeth by age seven. At this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier to evaluate for tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.

Here are a few things to look for if you think your child may need orthodontic treatment:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Mouth breathing

• A hard time chewing or biting food

• Teeth that don’t fit with the rest of the face

• Finger or thumb sucking past the age of 2

• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth

• Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing

• Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all

• Crowded front teeth around age seven

• Snoring or sleep apnea