A beautiful smile is a gateway to a lot of good things. If there is an instant day brightener, it is a genuine smile. In most cultures smiling at someone is even regarded as charity. There is no wonder then that the world goes round just by simply spreading of the most effective curve in the world. That being said, not everyone is endowed with a naturally stunning smile. However with the help of braces and a little work it is possible to bring that naturally stunning smile out. The best way to do this without doubt is to consult an orthodontist.

There is no one size fits all when it comes to choosing the right dental treatment for you. Your dentist is the best judge for when and what kind of treatment you need. However if you have a child and want to find out if it is the right time to think about braces, there are a few things to consider.

When to See an Orthodontist for your Child?

If your child has been experiencing one or more of the following it is time you consult an orthodontist:

1. Tooth development: An examination can assess tooth positions, eruption and the bite. Signs to discuss include:

• Protruding Teeth: Haphazardly protruding teeth that create speaking, eating problems resulting into the wrong bite.
• Crowded Teeth: More than one teeth growing above or near an already fully grown tooth resulting in crooked alignment.
• Early or Late Baby tooth loss: This is another cause to get in touch with a dentist to determine the right course of action.

Some of the jaw problems that a dentist can recognize include:

1. Thumb or finger sucking: Persistent habits can affect tooth positions and the bite. Discuss the habit and your child’s stage of development with the dental team.
2. Grinding or clenching: Tell your dentist about tooth wear, discomfort or grinding. These symptoms do not automatically mean braces are needed; assessment should guide care.
3. Jaws that are too forward or back: Your orthodontist is best equipped to ascertain whether the jaws are too far forward or back and will recommend the right treatment to correct it.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age seven. A checkup may lead to monitoring rather than immediate treatment. Our children’s orthodontic care page explains how timing is individualized.

The right time to start depends on the problem being assessed, dental development and the treatment goals. Earlier treatment is not automatically better. Ask about the orthodontist’s training, the proposed plan, alternatives, likely benefits, limitations and follow-up care.

SmileMaker Orthodontics, Dr. Jay Burton, a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. He takes great pride in helping people achieve a beautiful smile in Hendersonville, Madison, Goodlettsville, Gallatin, and Nashville, TN. You can contact our office at (615) 865-6551 or email us at braces@smilemaker.com.