» At what age should I bring my child for the first dental visit?
» How frequently should children come to the dentist?
» When is the best time to start braces?
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Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I bring my child for the first dental visit? Bring your child at age one for the first dental visit. This lets our team begin to build a favorable relationship with your child. We can advise you on how to prevent early childhood caries. We can inspect the teeth for small cavities, an early indication of worst to come. We can begin a program for cavity prevention if necessary. All children should be examined by age two, the age by which all deciduous teeth have erupted. We can usually tell you whether or not your child is at high risk for cavities by that age.
How frequently should children come to the dentist?
A small cavity in the mouth of a child who is prone to cavities can develop into a large painful cavity in as little as six months. Children at high risk for cavities should come to the office every 2-3 months. Otherwise a good periodicity is every six months. A child with no cavities over a long period of time—several years—may safely come yearly.
When is the best time to start braces?
Early orthopedic work should be done while the facial bones are the most moldable for the most stable result. From age 4 to age 9 is the most favorable time for this. The jaws can be made wider to alleviate crowding. A short lower or upper jaw can be made more protrusive. Obstructed airways during this time often contribute to abnormal facial development. Referrals for airway management are often required at this age to achieve the best results.
Misaligned permanent teeth with little skeletal component to the problem are best straightened after the bicuspid and cuspid teeth erupt at ages 10-12.
