Children are getting braces earlier than ever before. If you have a child, you may find yourself wondering whether they need to visit an orthodontist and at what age the need to visit one. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions that you may have regarding a child's age and braces. 

How Early Should a Child Visit an Orthodontist? 

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be seen by an orthodontist no later than the age of seven. This does not mean that a child will need to get braces by the age of seven, just that they should see an orthodontist by this age. At this stage, an orthodontist will view your child's teeth and work to determine if they will need braces. They can also work on providing your child with the best course of action as early as possible. 

Do Adult Teeth Need to Be Grown In to Get Braces?

Adult teeth do not need to be grown in to get braces. Many people have this misconception, but this is not the case. In some cases, an orthodontist may be able to tell that your child's adult teeth are not going to come in evenly and that their bite will be off. They can work to remove adult teeth before they come in to prevent overcrowding or can work to guide the jawbones so that the adult teeth can properly fit and adult teeth can come in without being overcrowded. 

How Can an Orthodontist Tell if Braces Are Needed so Early? 

Since adult teeth are not all grown in by the age of seven, some people wonder how an orthodontist can tell if braces are needed at that age. X-rays can be taken which can show the adult teeth behind the baby teeth. An orthodontist can see the angle the teeth are at to determine how the teeth will grow in and whether braces may be needed. While a dentist also takes x-rays of your child's teeth that shows these adult teeth, they are looking for things such as cavities, not the angle at which your child's teeth are growing in, so consulting with an orthodontist is important. 

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child visit a dentist by the age of seven. If your child is at or nearing this age, contact an orthodontist today to schedule a consultation. They can take x-rays of your child's teeth to help determine if they may benefit from braces and determine the best course of treatment to straighten your child's teeth and help ensure they have a proper bite. 

For more information, contact companies like Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP.