Need to know when to book your first orthodontic appointment in Wentzville or St. Peters? You might see other parents taking their little ones to an orthodontist early, and you’re unsure if you need to do the same. The truth is, an early visit can make a big difference for your child’s smile. In St. Peters and Wentzville, Dr. Humphrey and our Humphrey Orthodontics team are ready to help you feel at ease every step of the way. Keep reading to learn when to book your child’s first orthodontic appointment.
Why Orthodontic Checkups Matter
You want your child to have a healthy bite and a well-aligned smile. Early checkups help catch small issues before they turn into bigger ones. Even if your child’s teeth look okay, an expert like Dr. Humphrey can spot hidden signs of trouble. Think of it like taking your car in for regular maintenance. You don’t wait until a tire goes flat to get a tune-up. You can plan the best course of action for your child’s growing smile by seeing an orthodontist sooner rather than later.
Growth and Development
Children’s jaws and teeth grow fast. As they lose baby teeth and gain adult teeth, you want that process to happen in a way that sets them up for success. A trained eye will see if something is shifting in the wrong direction. If you wait until all their adult teeth appear, some problems may be harder to fix. By catching them early with our Humphrey Orthodontics team, you give your child more options.
Avoiding Bigger Issues
Small orthodontic problems can get worse if you don’t loop our team into the conversation. Early orthodontic checks help you and Dr. Humphrey spot issues like crowding, crossbites, or spacing. If we handle these at the right growth stage, you may shorten or simplify the next phase of orthodontic work. Your child may even avoid more serious corrections down the line.
The Best Age to Get Started
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that kids visit an orthodontist around the age of seven. It might sound young, but there’s a good reason. By age seven, your child’s mouth is developing a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. Our team members in St. Peters and Wentzville can see how the jaws are shaping up and decide if any early steps would be helpful.
What If Your Child Is Older?
Is your child already past age seven? Don’t worry! It’s never too late to bring them in for a consultation. Some kids don’t need an exam until later if their teeth are lining up or they don’t have any visible red flags. And if you’re an adult thinking about orthodontic care for yourself, there’s also no deadline. Many adults in St. Peters and Wentzville choose braces or aligners to refresh their smiles.
Common Signs Your Child May Need an Evaluation
Every child is different. Still, there are a few things to watch for as you consider booking that first appointment:
Crowded or Overlapping Teeth
If you notice teeth way too close together, it might mean there’s not enough room in your child’s jaw.
Early or Delayed Baby Tooth Loss
Baby teeth that fall out too soon or hang on too long can influence how adult teeth grow. An orthodontist will want to know about any unusual tooth loss patterns.
Mouth Breathing
Breathing through the mouth is often linked to jaw structure. This habit could be a clue that your child needs an evaluation.
Thumb Sucking or Extended Pacifier Use
If your child used a pacifier for a long time or still sucks their thumb, it can shape the position of their teeth and jaws.
Misaligned Bite
An underbite, overbite, or crossbite may cause trouble with chewing or speaking. When our Humphrey Orthodontics team catches these early, you have more ways to correct them.
Why Early Appointments Help
Getting an early evaluation helps Dr. Humphrey keep an eye on how your child’s teeth and jaws are growing. That doesn’t mean braces go on right away. We’ll often want to monitor growth for a while. If your child does need early treatment, it usually involves simple steps. For example, they might wear a small appliance to guide jaw growth or hold space for their adult teeth. These small efforts can pay off later by avoiding extra time in braces or aligners.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
You might picture your child getting braces at their first orthodontic appointment, but that’s not usually how it goes. Their first exam with our St. Peters or Wentzville team members is about listening, learning, and planning. Here’s how a typical first visit might look:
Meet and Greet
You’ll meet Dr. Humphrey and our team. We’ll ask about your child’s dental history, go over any concerns you have, and discuss your child’s daily habits.
Exam and X-Rays
Our team will examine your child’s teeth and jaws. We may take X-rays or photographs to see what’s happening below the surface.
Discussion
Once the exam is done, you’ll learn more about the results. You might talk about future visits or potential treatments down the road.
Next Steps
If early treatment would be helpful, Dr. Humphrey will explain your options clearly. You’ll talk about timing, costs, and possible results. You won’t have to make any snap decisions.
The Impact of Early Orthodontic Care
When you schedule a timely first appointment with Humphrey Orthodontics, you open the door for a smoother path to a straighter smile. Early treatment can:
- Help adult teeth come in more evenly.
- Reduce the chance of jaw problems down the road.
- Cut down on total time in braces later.
- Give your child confidence.
FAQs
1. Is age seven too young for an orthodontic appointment?
It may feel young, but experts agree that an evaluation around age seven helps better address problems. You might not start treatment right away, but it’s a smart time to set a baseline.
2. What if my child is older than seven?
It’s never too late to start. Some kids won’t need a visit until they’re a bit older, and that’s fine. The best time to see us is whenever you notice a concern or want an expert opinion.
3. Will my child need braces right away?
In most cases, no. Your first appointment usually focuses on examining and monitoring. If we think your child needs early treatment, Dr. Humphrey will explain all options.
4. How much does an orthodontic appointment cost?
Costs vary, and many insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic care. Ask about payment plans or financing to help make care more affordable.
5. Can I schedule my child’s appointment online?
Yes, our St. Peters and Wentzville offices allow online scheduling or appointment requests. You can also call us directly if that’s easier for you.
Ready to Schedule?
Call Humphrey Orthodontics or visit their website to set up your child’s first visit with Dr. Humphrey. You’ll learn what to expect, explore any needed treatments, and walk away feeling confident you’re doing what’s best for your child’s smile. Whether you choose the St. Peters or Wentzville office, your family’s oral health is in expert hands. It all starts with that one appointment. Go here to schedule your free exam.