When should a child’s bite be checked?

Many parents wonder at what stage they should have their child’s teeth examined by an orthodontist. As an orthodontist, my advice is that it’s a good idea to monitor the development of the bite from an early age. A timely examination can help prevent problems later on.

First assessment at age seven

The bite and dentition develop in stages. The best time for the first evaluation is around age seven, when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. At this point, a specialist dentist can assess how the teeth are aligning, how the jaws are growing, and whether there are already signs of problems with the bite.

Is it worth scheduling an orthodontic consultation with a specialist for a child who hasn't started school yet?

Even before your child starts school, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated by an orthotist if you notice, for example:

• The child breathes mostly through the mouth
• The teeth are clearly crooked or outside the dental arch
• Missing teeth
• The child's lower lip is constantly tucked behind the upper teeth, and the lips do not meet
• The upper and lower jaws do not align properly.

It is important to note that children are not always able to express pain or discomfort caused by their bite; instead, they tend to accept these as “normal.”

Why is the evaluation of orthodontic treatment the responsibility of a specialist dentist?

An orthodontist has years of university training and experience in assessing the growth of teeth and jaws, as well as work experience from a university hospital. Only a specialist dentist can comprehensively assess when treatment should begin and what effects it will have on a child’s growth, speech, breathing, and, of course, appearance. This avoids unnecessary treatments and ensures that the investment in treatment pays off for a lifetime.

Benefits for the family:

• Early assessment can prevent problems from worsening and reduce the need for further treatment
• Timely treatment is often shorter, easier, and more comfortable for the child
• For the family, the assessment provides peace of mind and a clear plan for the child’s dental development.

Private orthodontic consultation for children and adolescents in Helsinki

I’d be happy to evaluate your child’s bite so we can determine whether treatment is needed now or later. Often, a simple checkup is enough to reassure parents that their child’s smile is developing healthily. Orthodontic treatment is the kind of dental visit that puts a smile on the whole family’s face.

Book an orthodontic consultation with Anna