What is the recommended age for the first consultation?
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, it is recommended that children have their first orthodontic consultation no later than age seven, even if there are no major problems or concerns. Although most kids do not need treatment at this age, it is the best time to screen for major problems and start tracking growth and development if future orthodontic treatment is needed. Some children do need braces at an early age, which you can read more about here.
You may have a child that has most of their baby teeth out, but the permanent teeth coming in are crowded, spaced apart, or even turned sideways. Other common orthodontic concerns include overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite. It is important to take action sooner, rather than later for evaluating bite and tooth alignment issues!
What happens during the consultation?
Here at Cooper & Misner Orthodontics, we offer free consultations for every new patient! During the consultation, patients may have various pictures taken (including X-rays), a meeting with one of our doctors, and are provided with next steps. If a child is not ready for braces, we will have them come back within 6-12 months as part of our Growth & Guidance program for follow up appointments to monitor the development of the teeth and jaws. If a child is ready for braces, we will go into detail about what treatment is recommended to create a beautiful smile!
Even if your child is currently over the age of 7, it is never too late to have an orthodontic consultation! We have patients of all ages, so it is never too late for anyone to receive treatment.
How can I schedule a consultation?
If you have any questions about whether or not your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment, please contact our office at (918)488-8889 to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cooper or Dr. Misner!
