“My son's permanent teeth are growing crooked. Should I take him to an orthodontist?”
My son's permanent teeth are now coming. However, they are not growing in line and seem crooked. Should I take him to an orthodontist? Or will the dentist be able to tell?
16 Answers
Hello, I would suggest that you see an orthodontist. You will not require a referral to an orthodontic specialist, so feel free to call and schedule an appointment on your own. Most orthodontists will see patients for an exam to determine if any problems are developing and if any treatment is necessary. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first screening at age 7. This is the time when most of the permanent teeth are erupting. If any treatment is necessary you will be told what is needed and why. If not, most doctors will inform you what follow up is needed. I wish you the best with your son and wish you a happy, and healthy smile!
The American Association of Orthodontics recommend patients be seen by an orthodontist at age of 7, however in some cases we do see patients as young as 5.
It's a good idea to see an orthodontist for a consultation around age 7. Treatment may be indicated in some situations. More likely your son will be placed into a 6 month or 12 month recall. Once the front teeth are all in or almost in some space gaining treatment may be recommended.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by an orthodontist by age 7. We can spot early jaw growth problems as well teeth issue at an early age. In some circumstances, early intervention treatment may be needed, which is what we call Phase One treatment. In other cases, treatment may not be needed at this time, but seeing an orthodontist will give you peace of mind. Hope this helps, Dr. Frial
You should definitely seek out an orthodontic specialist or orthodontist for the opinion.
Crooked teeth in and of itself doesn't mean you "need" braces. I'd take them in to see an Orthodontic specialist to evaluate if any correction is needed at this time. Crooked teeth are harder to clean effectively, so more susceptible to plaque accumulation, cavities and gum disease.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends seeing an orthodontist as early as 7 years old. This helps diagnose and treat certain malocclusions early and avoid complicated orthodontic and surgical treatment later.
A dentist should be able to identify a problem but the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that an orthodontist examine a child's teeth by the time they are 7 years old, even while baby teeth are still in the mouth. It is an orthodontists specialty to evaluate patients for proper oral and tooth development and they can certainly help if a problem is detected.
Some dentists will be able to let you know the proper time to go see the orthodontist. However, most orthodontists do not charge for initial consultations, so now referral from a dentist is necessary. Do an internet search for the best orthodontists in your area and set up an appointment.
Thanks. Hope that helps,
Dr. Colin Gibson
Thanks. Hope that helps,
Dr. Colin Gibson
Yes, you should take him to have a screening examination by an orthodontist. Most orthodontists do not charge for this and it will put your mind at rest.
You should definitely take him to an orthodontist. The dentist will not always be aware of all the details that can affect the alignment and eruption of the teeth. If you want the best care for your child, then you should have him evaluated by an orthodontist.
S. Dovid Friedman, DMD
S. Dovid Friedman, DMD
Your primary care dentist will be able to tell the teeth are coming in crooked or in a less than ideal position. You should take him to an orthodontist because we look at more than just tooth position (i.e. jaw position, potential jaw growth, airway, etc.) The American Association of Orthodontists recommends the first consultation with an orthodontist to be at the age of 7. At this age, we can monitor growth and development of your child's jaws and teeth. There is a big difference between your primary care dentist and an orthodontist. Both your primary care dentist and orthodontist have completed dental school, but only the orthodontist has completed an accredited 2-3 year residency program specializing in Orthodontics. Hope this helps....Dr.B.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child be screened at age 7. At this age, things like skeletal discrepencies, parafunctional habits, extreme crowding, etc. can be assessed to determine the need for intervention.
Personally, I'm not a fan of two times in braces...or a LONG time in braces because we're waiting for the rest of the permanent teeth to come in! However, I do like to intercept things like habits and skeletal problems while children are still in 'mixed' dentition (primary AND permanent teeth present)...and hold off on comprehensive orthodontics (braces or Invisalign) until at least most of the permanent teeth are in.
The best thing to do would be to have your son seen by an orthodontist to determine if he/she feels that there is anything that should be intecepted with early treatment.
To me, as long as there aren't any skeletal problems, habits, or severe crowding, I would put a child on observation...check them once or twice a year until it's time for alignment and bite correction. This way you can avoid having to pay for two sets of braces, OR have your child in braces for years and years because you're waiting for the rest of the permanent teeth to come in!
Personally, I'm not a fan of two times in braces...or a LONG time in braces because we're waiting for the rest of the permanent teeth to come in! However, I do like to intercept things like habits and skeletal problems while children are still in 'mixed' dentition (primary AND permanent teeth present)...and hold off on comprehensive orthodontics (braces or Invisalign) until at least most of the permanent teeth are in.
The best thing to do would be to have your son seen by an orthodontist to determine if he/she feels that there is anything that should be intecepted with early treatment.
To me, as long as there aren't any skeletal problems, habits, or severe crowding, I would put a child on observation...check them once or twice a year until it's time for alignment and bite correction. This way you can avoid having to pay for two sets of braces, OR have your child in braces for years and years because you're waiting for the rest of the permanent teeth to come in!
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all bad bites be evaluated by an orthodontist by the age of 7 years old. If your son's age is near that age, I would recommend that you take him to an orthodontist for an orthodontic exam. If orthodontic treatment is needed, the orthodontist will advise you of the best approach to treat your son's bad bite.
You can have your kids checked by orthodontist as early as age 7. You do not need dentist’s referral to go to orthodontist also most orthodontist offer free consultation. Best way to find orthodontist is on the AAO orthodontist website. Look for board certified orthodontist in your areas for best care for your kids.
Absolutely, you should take him to an orthodontist for a consultation. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children have an orthodontic screening at age 7. Mosts orthodontists offer free consultations, and you do not need a referral from a dentist. In fact, general dentists do not have formal training in orthodontics and many do not have the correct X-ray technology to correctly determine the proper timing for orthodontic treatment.
