At Pediatric Dentistry of Burke, our orthodontic planning begins around age six so we can watch how adult teeth are coming in, how the jaws are growing, and how the bite changes over time. That timing often surprises parents who expect orthodontic care to wait until all permanent teeth are in. Dr. David Treff, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry who completed specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, helps families near Springfield, Virginia, understand when observation is enough and when an orthodontic referral may be useful.
What We Look For as Adult Teeth Begin to Erupt
The early elementary years bring a lot of change to a child’s mouth. Baby teeth loosen, permanent teeth start to appear, and the dental arches continue to grow. Regular periodic exams and cleanings let us follow those changes as your child grows.
When needed, dental X-rays can also show permanent teeth that have not erupted yet and give us more information about tooth position and eruption patterns.
Signs That May Need Closer Monitoring
Age is only one part of the decision. We may keep a closer eye on your child’s bite if we notice:
- Permanent teeth coming in crowded, rotated, or overlapping
- Limited room for teeth that have not erupted yet
- Upper and lower teeth that do not meet as expected
- Changes associated with a past thumb-sucking habit
- Early loss of a baby tooth that could affect available space
None of these findings automatically means braces are needed right away. Sometimes the best plan is simply to keep watching as more permanent teeth appear.
When Might We Recommend an Orthodontist?
Many children will not need an orthodontic consultation until they are older, often closer to the preteen years. An earlier referral may make sense if we see a bite, spacing, or eruption concern that would benefit from an orthodontist’s evaluation.
Our role is to monitor your child’s oral growth and explain what we see. We do not perform comprehensive orthodontic treatment such as braces. When appropriate, we may use extractions and space maintainers to preserve room for permanent teeth or refer your child to an orthodontist.
Keeping up with pediatric oral health care remains important throughout this process. If braces are eventually recommended, clean teeth and healthy gums matter even more because brackets and wires can make plaque and food harder to remove.
Ask Us About Your Child’s Bite
If you have questions about crowding, tooth eruption, or the timing of an orthodontic evaluation, contact us to arrange a visit with Pediatric Dentistry of Burke. Our team serves Burke-area families from our Springfield, VA, office and can be reached at 703-712-8077.
