At what age to take a child to the orthodontist?

We consider that the ideal time to take a child to the orthodontist for the first time is approximately 5 years of age, since at this age they already have all their temporary teeth erupted, so it is possible that parents or pediatric dentists observe that the child does not they bite well. In these cases it is very important to control and guide the correct growth of the maxillary bones in order to reduce major aesthetic, functional and psychological consequences in the future, as well as the need for orthognathic surgeries (of the maxillary bones).
A child should receive early treatment if he has an open bite (if a space is visible between the upper anterior teeth with the lower anterior teeth) because he used a pacifier or bottle after the age of two and a half, or has a bad habit of sucking his thumb. You should also see an orthodontist if you have a jaw that deviates forward (lower teeth are more forward than upper teeth), to the right or left side (lower teeth are outside of the upper teeth on the right or left side). In some cases, alterations are also seen in the child's profile.
If the child has crooked teeth, it is better to take him to the orthodontist so that he can decide the right moment for treatment, carrying out clinical controls, seeing x-rays and models. In some cases, the dental eruption can be guided and thus allow the teeth to be located in the mouth in the best possible way, so that later it will be easier for the child to maintain good hygiene and gum health. It is important to know that orthodontic treatments carried out at an early age both on the maxillary bones and on the teeth have a better prognosis, better results, healthier gums and better bone tissue conditions.

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Dr. Patricia Corrada

Orthodontist University of Chile

Member of the Chilean Orthodontic Society