When should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents schedule their child’s first orthodontic visit by age 7. It’s around this time that their little smiles have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and because their jaws are still developing, it’s important to monitor how adult teeth come in.

Without growth monitoring, crowding and other potential problems may make orthodontic treatment more challenging later in life.

What is Orthodontic Growth Monitoring?

As your little one grows, your Tripp Leitner Orthodontics doctor can help watch for orthodontic issues before they become more serious, making the work of orthodontics in their later years a lot easier. For example, we’ll monitor:

  • Potential cross-bite and open bite development
  • Obstructive breathing issues—is your child a mouth breather?
  • Position of baby and permanent teeth
  • Dental overcrowding or spacing which could hinder or affect permanent tooth development or position
  • How permanent teeth come in
  • Teeth at risk for injury or decay due to protrusion or overcrowding
  • Harmful habits that may cause orthodontic problems (thumb sucking)
  • Oral hygiene and overall dental health
  • A balanced facial appearance

We Make Orthodontics Fun for Kids

Their free membership in Rising Star includes all kinds of free swag, birthday surprises, extra encouragement, and prizes … like we said: FUN!

Our goal is that, whether it be their own appointments or they’re just tagging along with a sibling, kids love coming to see us while learning how important taking care of their smiles is in the process.

It’s easy (and did we mention FUN?). Schedule your first, free consultation and get ready to blast off!

Sign up for our Rising Star program!

What Our Patients Are Saying

The staff were very nice and efficient. I didn’t have to wait long for my Read More
Jon Hull
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We’ve had a great experience at Tripp Leitner Ortho! My son feels comfortable and I Read More
Lauren Price
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The entire group is amazing! From the calls about the upcoming appointment to the actual Read More
Jason Farris
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All members of the staff were beyond kind and very informative! They answered all of Read More
Julia Lindh
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Smile Starters is an amazing place! They greet you as soon as you walk in Read More
April Vanderhorst
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Dr. Leitner oversees my Invisalign treatment. He is as friendly as he is knowledgeable. After Read More
Evan Donohue
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Dr.Leitner is extremely thorough, professional, transparent and provides an inviting atmosphere for all ages! After Read More
Shannon Ramsey Gardner
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Great experience with braces!! Highly recommend them!!
Cate C
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I only was with Dr.Thomas for a little over a year and my experience was Read More
nanna neely
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Visit Your Local Rock Hill Orthodontist

As your little one grows, your Tripp Leitner Orthodontics care team can help watch for orthodontic issues before they become more serious, making the work of orthodontics in their later years a lot easier.

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