Dentists can have varying recommendations regarding the appropriate time to see an orthodontist.
The American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO) officially recommend the first visit to an orthodontist by no later than 7 years of age. The rationale behind this lies in the fact that it can be beneficial for some patients to get braces at younger ages, particularly in cases of severe crowding, cases where the child’s profile or skeletal growth needs correction, or cases where specific issues with dental development occur. However, it should be noted that most children getting braces at a young age will eventually get two sets of braces.
Conversely, many dentists and dental specialists are comfortable referring their patients to an orthodontist beyond age 7 if the child’s occlusion (“bite”) and skeletal growth are reasonably “normal”, and if orthodontic intervention can be adequately assessed to be unnecessary at an early age (prior to 12 years of age).
Assuming early orthodontic intervention is not warranted, most patients desiring “braces” can have an orthodontic consultation once all their permanent teeth are erupted (excluding their third molars, or “wisdom teeth”), usually around 12 or 13 years of age. The majority of dental patients desiring “braces” are recommended to see an orthodontist around this time.
It should additionally be mentioned that many adult patients who had relatively “straight” teeth when they are young develop malocclusions and “crooked teeth” as they get older. Many other adult patients have had malocclusions their whole lives and now either desire to have straight teeth or have dental problems they can’t seem to fix. These patients may benefit from an orthodontic consultation as well, as not only is adult orthodontics becoming more popular, but problems with the bite can contribute to numerous problems with the teeth and gums, including attrition (“tooth wear”) and gum recession. Drs. Hoang and Wong are experts in evaluating their patients’ occlusion (their “bite”), and refer patients to orthodontic specialists when it is appropriate.