Why should children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists by age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that the dentist can identify current problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parents' concerns if all seems normal. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by age 7 and cross bites, crowding and developing injury-prone dental protrusions can be evaluated. Any ongoing finger sucking or other oral habits can be assessed at this time also. Some signs or habits that may indicate the need for an early orthodontic examination are:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Thumb sucking
• Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth
• Jaws that shift or make sounds
• Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
• Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all, and
• Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face

An orthodontic screening no later than age 7 enables the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems (if any), advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for that patient to be treated. 

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