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APO - Portuguese Orthodontic Association
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AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO AN ORTHODONTIST?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that the first appointment with an Orthodontist should be no later than seven years-old. Some treatments are easily done at younger ages.

When to start treatment?

Depending on case to case, the treatment can be started as follows:

  • at the time of appearance of the first permanent teeth, or even before;
  • before loosing the last baby teeth;
  • only with permanent teeth;
  • before or after puberty.

TEETH ERUPTION ASSYMETRIES

When there is a delay over 6 months between the eruption of the same teeth from one side to the other.

ANQUILOSIS OF DECIDUOUS TEETH

Deciduous teeth become “glued” to the bone and instead of becoming loose and falling out, they start to sink into the gum. Early treatment is mandatory.

THUMB SUCKING

When a child has a suction habit teeth and jaws can be deformed, which can require early orthodontic treatment.

LACK OF SPACE

Crooked teeth are not nice to look at and also extremely difficult to keep clean. Frequently treatment should start just before the child’s last baby teeth fall out.

PROCUMBENT TEETH

Procumbent incisors are not protected by the lips and are more prone to fractures.

OPEN BITE

In full bite the upper and lower front teeth do not contact. This malocclusion is generally associated to other problems.

LATERAL CROSS-BITES

This happens when the left and/or right sides of your upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Generally, upper and lower midlines are not coincident.
Normally this is due to the upper jaw being too narrow leading to several problems. This situation requires early orthodontic treatment.

DEEP BITE

In full bite the upper teeth cover the lower teeth excessively. This malocclusion doesn’t allow normal lower jaw growth. Treatment should start before puberty.

ANTERIOR CROSS-BITES

One or more of the upper anterior teeth are behind the lower anterior teeth in full bite. Generally, it is the result of a lack of space in the arch. Early treatment is advisable in these cases.

SPACING AND DEEP BITE

Spacing between the lower teeth and a deep bite should be treated before puberty.

POSTERIOR AND ANTERIOR CROSS-BITES

This is a serious orthodontic problem and urgent treatment is required prior to the age 9.

AESTHETICS

A beautiful face requires a beautiful smile. Aligned teeth, besides making a face look more balanced and attractive, also increases self-esteem, social interaction and improves function.