What Age is Right? Unlocking Confidence Through Perfect Smiles!

What Is the Right Age for My Child to See an Orthodontist?

When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics can play a huge role in young children's appearance and health. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that an orthodontist examine children by the time they are seven years old. Yes. While baby teeth are still in their mouths. And yes, while their teeth and mouths are still developing. Your child’s Dental Associates pediatric dentist is trained to identify bite issues at an early age and will refer a child to one of our orthodontists at the appropriate point in time.

To create a smile that lasts a lifetime, your child needs teeth that are straight and jaws that are aligned properly. That all begins with the baby teeth; the way they are aligned, when and how they fall out, and how much room they are allowing or not allowing for the emergence of permanent adult teeth. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an orthodontist exam your child while they still have their baby teeth.

While your child’s teeth may look straight, there may be underlying problems with the way adult teeth may be coming in, with deep bites, open bites, and cross bites, with the relationship of the upper and lower jaw, with tooth crowding, or problems that may be occurring due to thumbsucking or other habits. Orthodontists can pinpoint these problems, even if they are subtle, and can start correcting any problems to avoid potential problems for future adult teeth. By age seven, enough permanent teeth have emerged for your orthodontist to evaluate relationships developing between teeth, jaw and bite and make sure all will continue to develop as they should.

Your child may or may not need orthodontic work. That will be determined by the examination. But no matter what, you will get the peace of mind that early detection and treatment will result in a lifelong smile for your child.

Orthodontic Exam by Age 7

The transition from primary teeth (baby teeth) to permanent teeth is extremely important. Where primary teeth are located is important. When primary teeth fall out is important. Primary teeth set the foundation for permanent teeth and their proper positions. That’s why it’s important to have a Dental Associates orthodontist examine your child’s mouth while they still have primary teeth (baby teeth). Your child’s teeth may look straight, but there may be underlying bite problems.

Some of your child’s behaviors may give some indication that an orthodontic examination is in order, too. Discuss your concerns with your pediatric dentist who will refer you to one of their orthodontic partners, if your child:

  • Loses baby teeth early or late
  • Has difficulty chewing or biting
  • Breaths through their mouth
  • Sucks their thumb
  • Has crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • Has a jaw that shifts or makes sounds
  • Has difficulty speaking
  • Bites their cheek or the roof of their mouth
  • Has teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
  • Has a facial imbalance
  • Grinds or clenches their teeth
  • Have jaws that appear too far forward or too far back

Call us today at (972) 934-6222 to schedule your appointment and discuss your treatment options with Dr. Bietsch.

Hear From Our Happy Patients

    “Wonderful & Pleasant to Work With”
    “I chose to see Dr. Bietsch from a referral from a friend. I am so happy that I did. The entire consult was all about my son and never about the doctor. I was so impressed that I chose to see him myself for some orthodontic work.”
    - Amy
    “Highly Qualified & Caring”
    “We love Dr. Bietsch's office. It's very easy to find a qualified orthodontist, but more difficult to find the combination of highly qualified, and caring. I feel like going above and beyond, is just normal for Dr. Bietsch and his staff.”
    - Kelly
    “Very Impressed”
    “I was walked through each x-ray, necessary procedure and plan to align a jaw, straighten teeth, and make sure both my children and I were going to be happy with the results. Very impressed.”
    - Aimee
    “Family Feel & Comfortable Environment”
    “We love Dr. Bietsch and all the staff! We have had nothing but a great experience. Love the family feel and comfortable environment. Very easy to get appointments. Highly recommend!”
    - Jessica
    “Very Happy We Chose Them”
    “Dr. Bietsch and his staff are so friendly. We are very happy we chose them for our orthodontic treatments! When school starts we will use the Bus and save hours in drive and appointment time away from school.”
    - Lerla
    “My Kids LOVE It Here!”
    “Great Ortho and amazingly kind staff. My kids LOVE it here! I mean, why was there no Dr. Bietsch when I was their age and had to have braces?!? We highly recommend Dr. Bietsch.”
    - L.R.
    “LOVE LOVE the Expertise”
    LOVE LOVE the expertise and precise character Dr. Bietsch and his staff have. Two of my children have had to get orthodontics for a second time because of bad outcomes. I am so glad we found an orthodontist that is as obsessed with perfection as my two girls are. I have recommended that people in surrounding cities make the drive to Prosper & they are very happy. Plus you will get the small-town family feel from Dr. Bietsch and his office staff.
    - Jay
    “Impressive Operation”
    “I’ve got two kiddos currently being treated by Dr. B and a third one who’ll start seeing him soon and so far, every interaction we’ve had with anyone on their team has been great. My kids’ smiles are beautiful and becoming nearly pe”
    - Karen

Our Smile Specialists

Experienced & Caring
  • Dr. Tom  Bietsch Photo
    Dr. Tom Bietsch
    Orthodontist, Owner
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    Kirsten
    Brace Bus Specialist, Front Team Lead
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    Monica
    Financial Coordinator
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    Willow
    Financial Team Lead
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    ESPiN
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  • Dr. Diala  Chanine Photo
    Dr. Diala Chanine
    Orthodontist

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