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

I started my treatment in June, every time I’ve gone in they have been super Read More
Brianna Lovette
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I want to thank Dr Leitner and his AMAZING team for helping me getting my Read More
Crystal Herring
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I am so astonished at the difference braces has made in my life, and there’s Read More
Clairey Lynette
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I love how professional they are I had an appointment and I was out within Read More
Lisa Dian
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Kind, Loving, Understanding, Patient, Accommodating, Awesome… there is so much to say but not enough Read More
Amy Thomas
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Dr Thomas & Dr Leitner teamed up to give my daughter excellent results. They worked Read More
Jeannie L Williams
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I have been a patient of Dr. Leitner since 2006. I received high quality treatment, Read More
Nora Childers
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE the environment, atmosphere and staff. Dr.Tripp and all the ladies on Read More
Martishia Wilson
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Dr. Leitner did an amazing job reconfiguring my genetic mess of a mouth. He willingly Read More
Felicia Scott
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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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