You may have noticed that kids seem to be getting braces and other orthodontic care a lot earlier these days. There was a time, only a decade or two ago, when braces were mainly seen on teenagers, but that is beginning to change. If you’re wondering when to bring your child to our Austin, TX office for an orthodontic evaluation, the answer actually has several parts.
The Telltale Signs
If your child has a very crowded set of adult teeth coming in, or if the permanent front teeth came in very early, these are signs that your child should see Drs. Brian St. Louis and George Cantu, regardless of age.
The Dental Age
Barring signs of trouble or early adult teeth as mentioned above, the time that your child needs to be seen for initial orthodontic evaluation depends not so much upon your child’s actual age, but on what is known as a “dental age.”
The dental age of the patient might be entirely different from his or her actual chronological age; for example, an eight-year-old could have a dental age of 13. It is part of Drs. Brian St. Louis and George Cantu and our staff’s job to determine the dental age and then make appropriate recommendations for the resolution of orthodontic issues if they are emerging.
The Official Recommended Age
The American Association of Orthodontists officially recommends that kids should see an orthodontist for the first time between the ages of seven and nine. Even if the child does not have all his or her permanent teeth, the teeth growth pattern can usually be predicted quite effectively by an orthodontist.
This allows for a proactive response to emerging problems, and this is the reason that some younger children are now getting orthodontic devices earlier in life. If a young child has serious orthodontic issues emerging, Drs. Brian St. Louis and George Cantu can usually address the problems immediately and then follow up with another round of treatment when the child has all the adult teeth.
Awesome Experience
by Norma Constancio
Category: orthodontistDr. St. Louis and his staff were wonderful! From their friendly staff, nice office environment and Dr. St. Louis always willing to answer my questions. I would 100% recommend Central Texas Orthodontics to anyone.
Amazing staff
by Ms. Locke
Category: orthodontistI recently finished my treatment and was looking for the backup retainers. After doing my research I decided to make an appointment with Central Texas Orthodontics. I got it scheduled the same day and had my retainers ready in two weeks! Dr. St. Louis and the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcomed and cared for. I highly recommend this office to anyone who needs a new set of retainers!
Great doctor and staff
by Sherry lewis
Category: orthodontistGreat doctor and staff. I’ve had 2 sets of braces and misc work. Very professional, clean, and nice people. Kudos to Dr St. Louis for giving me a perfect smile. My TMJ doctor commended me on my perfect teeth alignment ! highly recommend.
Wonderful
by Amanda Manti
Category: orthodontistWe had a wonderful experience with two of our children getting their teeth straightened at this office. Love the staff-friendly and fun. And Dr. B did a fantastic job. After delays due to Covid, he personally went well out of his way to see my daughter and it was so appreciated! Thank you!
Awesome Staff
by Phillip
Category: orthodontistThe staff here is always so pleasant. They communicate well with their patients and are always easy to consult. I've had nothing but positive experiences here at Central Texas Orthodontist. I enjoy getting to see everyone when I visit.
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