Selecting an Orthodontist Part 2: When Should An Adolescent Be Taken to an Orthodontist?

The last thing a teenager wants is to find out at age 16 that they need braces. Their self image is often shaky during this transition from child to adult, and the thought of Senior pictures with braces on has prompted many moans and questions regarding why they were not started earlier. Your general dentist  may overlook impacted upper cuspids which are frequent causes of these delayed referrals and the dentist should be suspicious whenever the upper cuspids are not present or palpable in the mouth by age 10-13.

 

In general, bring your child for orthodontic screening any time after age 7.  The orthodontist will not mind even if nothing is necessary to do now.  A typical age for beginning orthodontic treatment is 11 or 12. ©2011  James E. Eckhart, D.D.S.,  Inc. 1101 N. Sepulveda Blvd,  Suite 202,  Manhattan Beach,  Ca.  90266  (310) 546-4724 21210 Anza Ave., Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 540-5911   www.eckhartorthodontics.com