As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health and development. One question many Markham parents ask is when their child should have their first orthodontic evaluation.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists and American Association of Orthodontists both recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean your 7-year-old needs braces immediately, but early evaluation can prevent bigger problems later.
Understanding when to seek orthodontic care near you helps ensure your child gets the right treatment at the right time.
Why Age 7 is the Optimal Time
By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This gives orthodontists the ability to spot developing problems before they become complex.
At this age, an orthodontist can evaluate:
- How permanent teeth are erupting
- Jaw growth patterns and bite development
- Space available for incoming permanent teeth
- Harmful oral habits like thumb sucking
- Airway and breathing issues
Early detection allows for monitoring development and beginning treatment at the optimal biological time, not necessarily immediately.
Warning Signs That Need Earlier Evaluation
Some children need orthodontic evaluation before age 7. Contact an orthodontist near you if your child shows these signs:
Difficulty Chewing or Mouth Breathing: Problems with eating or consistent mouth breathing may indicate bite or airway issues.
Early or Late Tooth Loss: Baby teeth that fall out much earlier or later than expected can signal problems with permanent tooth development.
Visible Crowding or Speech Difficulties: Severely crooked baby teeth or speech problems may be related to tooth and jaw positioning.
Jaw Discomfort or Prolonged Thumb Sucking: Any jaw pain or thumb sucking after age 5 can affect proper development.
Benefits of Early Evaluation vs. Waiting
Prevention Over Correction: Early intervention guides proper development, preventing complex problems that require lengthy treatment later.
Optimal Treatment Timing: Some problems are most effectively treated during specific growth periods. Early evaluation identifies these windows.
Cost and Time Savings: Preventing severe issues through timely intervention typically requires shorter treatment and costs less than correcting major problems later.
Improved Oral Health: Properly developing teeth and jaws are easier to clean and maintain throughout life.
What Happens During the First Visit
At Oasis Orthodontics in Markham Village, Dr. Khushee Sharma-Fung makes the initial consultation comfortable and informative:
Comprehensive Examination: Dr. Sharma-Fung examines your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite, evaluating current conditions and development patterns.
Digital Records: Modern technology captures necessary images quickly and comfortably.
Discussion and Planning: You’ll receive a clear explanation of findings, whether treatment is needed now or later, and what to expect.
The consultation is educational and pressure-free, designed to give you the information needed for informed decisions.
Types of Early Intervention
Early orthodontic treatment doesn’t always mean traditional braces. Options include:
Space Maintainers: Prevent teeth from shifting when baby teeth are lost early.
Palatal Expanders: Gently widen the upper jaw to create space and improve breathing.
Habit Appliances: Help stop thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that interferes with development.
Growth Modification: Work with natural jaw growth to address bite problems effectively during development.
Monitoring: Often the best approach is regular observation until optimal treatment timing.
Making the Right Decision for Your Child
Several factors influence when your child should see an orthodontist:
Individual Development: Every child develops at their own pace, requiring personalized assessment.
Problem Severity: Some issues need immediate attention, while others benefit from waiting for ideal timing.
Family Readiness: Consider your child’s maturity and your family’s ability to manage treatment requirements.
Professional Guidance: An experienced orthodontist can evaluate your child’s specific situation and recommend optimal timing.
Finding the Right Orthodontist Near You
When choosing a Markham Orthodontist for your child, look for:
Specialized Training: Ensure the orthodontist completed advanced training beyond dental school. Dr. Sharma-Fung holds multiple advanced degrees and fellowships in orthodontics.
Pediatric Experience: Choose an orthodontist who regularly treats children and creates comfortable experiences.
Modern Technology and Convenient Location: Current diagnostic tools and accessible location matter for ongoing care.
Taking the Next Step
If your child is approaching age 7 or showing warning signs, consider scheduling an evaluation near you.
Dr. Sharma-Fung at Oasis Orthodontics provides comprehensive evaluations that are educational and comfortable for families. Early assessment gives valuable information about your child’s development without requiring immediate treatment commitment.
Ready to learn about your child’s orthodontic development? Contact Oasis Orthodontics to schedule a consultation that helps ensure your child develops a healthy, beautiful smile.