Good dental health begins early. The American Dental Association recommends that a child first visit the family dentist at an early age. This can help detect and prevent problems as well as maintain good dental health. Another important step recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists is for your child’s first visit to the orthodontist to take place when an orthodontic problem is first detected. For a jaw growth problem or tooth problem, it might be necessary for this first visit to take place as early as age 5 or 6. At age 7 whether an orthodontic problem is detected or not, a child should visit an orthodontist for a check-up. This may surprise you since orthodontics is usually associated with adolescence. Treatment may not start at this time, but it is important to ensure that your child receives the maximum dental health. Your child may need an orthodontic examination if any of the following warning signs are present: Difficulty in chewing or biting Grinding of the teeth, especially at night Mouth breathing Finger sucking or other oral habits Crowding, misplaced or blocked teeth Jaw Shifting or clicking Treatment for all ages Rogers and Andrews Orthodontics provide orthodontic care for everyone from children to senior citizens. Whatever your orthodontic needs may be, we are here to help you achieve them. We want you to know it is never too late to achieve that perfect smile. We currently have patients from ages 5 to 73. Back to top