Does My Child Need to See an Orthodontist?
Regardless of their oral health or dental alignment, every child should see an orthodontist by age 7. Your child’s orthodontist will assess their current jaw structure, mouth development, and teeth alignment to determine if any future treatment may be necessary.
Some children are ready to start specialized care at this age and may begin a process called two-phase treatment.
- Phase one begins while a child still has some baby teeth, and it prepares their mouth and jaw for future treatment (braces, aligners, or other oral appliances).
- Phase two begins when a child has their permanent teeth and is ready to start corrective procedures.
Early signs your child may need to see an orthodontist include:
- Large gaps between teeth
- Crooked bite
- Bottom teeth protruding over upper teeth (underbite)
- Upper teeth protruding over bottom teeth (overbite)
- Messy eating that is not age-appropriate
- Excessive drooling
- Sleep breathing difficulties, including sleep apnea
- Bad oral habits (such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting)
Your Child’s First Orthodontic Appointment
When your child comes to Dr. Bryan Johnson for early orthodontic treatment, they will be greeted with a smile and warm welcome by our friendly staff. Going to the dentist in any form can be nerve-wracking for children; we go the extra mile to ensure young patients feel safe and comfortable.
Dr. Johnson will review your child’s medical and dental history with you and take note of any health conditions or allergies they have. He will carefully inspect their mouth and identify any current or potential issues.
We may also take 3D scans of your child’s mouth and X-rays to better understand the position of their jaw and teeth (both present and emerging).
Throughout the process, you and your child will be encouraged to ask questions and learn more about possible future treatments. We want to walk you through the entire process so that you can make the best choices for your child’s oral health.
Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Bryan Johnson, DDS
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Johnson is an extremely skilled orthodontist who prides himself on providing his patients with the most effective treatments. His friendly demeanor and expertise put both adults and children at ease.
To arrange your child’s first orthodontic appointment, please call one of our four Oregon offices in Salem, Silverton, Stayton, or Woodburn at 503-362-9548. You can also submit a contact form on our website.