When Should I Take My Child to the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Why Your Child Should Get an Orthodontic Check-up No Later Than Age 7: Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:guide jaw growth lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth correct harmful oral habits improve appearance guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position improve the way lips meet.

Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

Is this your child?

... Dr. Buchanan can help! Call (972) 542-4412 for a complimentary consultation.

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Dr. Jennifer Buchanan began her practice in 1996 and has been creating winning smiles and supporting the McKinney community every since. Dr. Buchanan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Science Education at the University of Texas at Austin, then went on to attain her DDS and Master’s Degree in Orthodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry.

Along with her team’s concern for every patient and their shared commitment to bringing the latest in orthodontic technology to the practice, Dr. Buchanan’s sense of compassion reaches out beyond her office and into the community as a whole, where she is involved with local charities including Community Lifeline, Meals on Wheels, and the American Heart Association. Dr. Buchanan is the founder of Smiles Charity, which focuses on raising funds to build homes for severely wounded veterans, and since 2008 she has hosted the annual Smiles Charity Concert, a free outdoor festival that has become a McKinney institution (fan capacity is 20K fans).

Dr. Buchanan is a former board member of the McKinney Rotary club, McKinney ladies association, the McKinney education foundation and the McKinney Chamber of Commerce. Through both her practice and her deep involvement in civic organizations, Dr. Buchanan is proud to be a part of the thriving McKinney community and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to it. As for her profession, she says, “Being an orthodontist is rewarding in so many ways, but the best thing is creating smiles that last a lifetime!” Call her office for a free initial consultation!