The Canadian and American Association of Orthodontists recommend that a child see an orthodontist for a consultation at the age of seven.  For many parents this recommendation comes as a surprise as it may initially appear to be a really young age – but the reality is that age seven allows an orthodontist to view a child’s mouth at a stage when certain adult teeth should be present and specific baby teeth should have fallen out.  Observing any variances around the normal eruption phase, and associated issues with crowding and jaw growth deficiencies, enables an orthodontist to intervene and encourage healthy bite development.

The other advantage of seeing children at a young age for an orthodontic consultation is that it provides an opportunity to ‘watch and wait’ – an invaluable step in monitoring a child’s skeletal development and bite formation.  Seeing a patient for the first time when they are a teenager means that windows for certain minor procedures have already closed – often resulting in the need for more extensive treatment.  Monitoring jaw growth, crowding, and eruption concerns allows bite issues to be identified and corrected at an early phase; when treatment is often less expensive and time-consuming.

Calgary Orthodontist – Dr. Cory Liss – encourages parents to take their child to a Certified Orthodontist in Calgary; as recognizing potential bite concerns, along with skeletal deficiencies is a crucial step in accurately diagnosing orthodontic needs.  Certified Orthodontists have received advanced education in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities and their training encompasses the study of human growth development and biophysics – preparing them to be able to treat all degrees of mal-occlusion (bad bite).  Introducing your child to a Certified Orthodontist at the age of seven is a great start towards a lifetime of optimal oral health.

From congenitally missing teeth, narrow arches, crowding or over-spacing, openbites, underbites and crossbites – there are many dental irregularities that present themselves at an early age and benefit from early intervention.  If you have been worried about your child’s bite and teeth, or if you would like more information regarding orthodontic treatment for children – contact Cory Liss Orthodontics today 403.287.0746