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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

AAO_William_And_Chris_083 Braces and Smiles Invisalign Orthodontist of Queens NY

Here’s Why:

  • Orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present
  • While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect
  • A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine.  Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommends monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child.  In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment
  • Early treatment may prevent or intercept more problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.  In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
  • Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:
    • Guide jaw growth
    • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
    • Correct harmful oral habits
    • Improve apprearance
    • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
    • Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
  • Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

If your child is older than 7, it’s certainly not too late for a check-up.

Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate traetment at the most appropriate time.  Call 718-268-3666 or email info@bracesandsmiles.com to schedule your free orthodontic consultation with our orthodontist, Dr. Brian Lee, Forest Hills Top Orthodontist.

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In addition, if you notice any of the following in your child, check with your orthodontist:

  • early or late loss of baby teeth
  • speech difficulties
  • difficulty in chewing or biting
  • biting the cheeck or the roof of the mouth
  • mouth breathing
  • facial imbalance
  • jaws that shift or make sounds
  • grinding or clenching of the teeth

Final treatment decisions should be made among the parent, child’s dentist and orthodontist.  Call 718-268-3666, email info@bracesandsmiles.com, or visit http://bracesandsmiles.com to schedule your free orthodontic consultation with our orthodontist, Dr. Brian Lee, Forest Hills Top Orthodontist

Treatment Options

  • Phase I / interceptive / mixed-dentition treatment – comprehensive orthodontic treatment for patients who still have deciduous (baby) teeth
  • Monitoring / Observation – these patients need careful monitoring of erupting teeth
  • Habit appliance – patient who have tongue thrust or finger/thumb sucking habits
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