At Elara Orthodontics we are committed to provide highest quality of dental care to our patients. We employ some of the nation’s top doctors and dental specialists in our state of art office located on Richmond.
While most people grow up seeing a regular dentist once or twice per year for typical cleanings, many people don’t know when to see an orthodontist. An orthodontist is an oral health professional that has specialized training in the movement and alignment of the teeth with various other parts of the mouth, including the jaw. If there is a question about how the teeth or the bite align with each other, it is a good idea to see an orthodontist.
Right Age to Visit an Orthodontist
Parents and loved ones should pay attention to their child’s teeth as they start coming in. Watch to see how the teeth start to arrive in the mouth. If there are any problems with the teeth, such as extra gaps, crowding, problems with the bite, or rotated teeth, parents should follow the recommendations of the American Association of Orthodontists and seek out an evaluation by the age of 7. At this age, the permanent first molars and some of the permanent front teeth will be present for evaluation.
Children’s Tooth Development
Everyone has a different rate of tooth development when it comes to timing. Because of this, it makes it difficult for someone without specialized training to evaluate whether or not the development of their child’s teeth is on target. This is why seeking an orthodontist is important. They will be able to conduct an exam and figure out whether or not the variation in development is simply part of their normal development or a larger issue that must be addressed. Catching problems early can prevent them from spiraling out of control.
Valuable Information Without a Referral
Seeing an orthodontist early can be an important way for parents and children to receive valuable information and education regarding the development of the teeth, the alignment of the jaw, and the stability of the bite. Typically, a referral is not needed to make an appointment with this type of specialist; however, insurance companies could necessitate a referral in order to cover the cost of the visit. If this is the case, patients and their parents should ensure that they have a referral from their primary dentist in order to avoid this cost.
Seek Out an Orthodontist if Recommended
For patients wondering when to see an orthodontist, they should absolutely heed the advice of their primary dentist if they are told to seek out an orthodontist. When patients go for a routine cleaning every six months, the primary dentist conducts an exam and knows the patient’s dental history. They could recommend that the patient see an orthodontist to have an issue addressed. Sometimes, it could just be a cosmetic issue; however, it could also be an important orthodontic problem with major implications for the oral health of the patient. Call today to schedule an appointment.
