At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, we offer Kid Orthodontic Screenings to help monitor your child’s smile as they grow. This early screening enables our team to monitor tooth eruption and jaw development, address habits such as thumb-sucking, and determine the optimal timing for orthodontic treatment, if needed.
What Is a Kid Orthodontic Screening?
Our Kid Orthodontic Screening is designed for children who are not yet ready for treatment but should be monitored over time. During these visits, we evaluate how your child’s permanent teeth are coming in and how their jaws are developing.
This program helps us identify concerns early and plan ahead for the healthiest, most efficient orthodontic outcome.
We may also:
- Monitor poor eruption patterns and recommend early removal of baby teeth when appropriate (which can shorten future braces time)
- Address harmful habits like thumb-sucking before they affect bite development
- Plan ahead for potential needs related to missing permanent teeth
We will also keep your child’s pediatric dentist informed of any recommendations made during the visit. Most children are seen every 6 to 9 months for recall to monitor growth and development.
This screening is provided at no additional cost to help Dr. Nikki Shafiei determine the ideal time to begin treatment for the best results.
For kids, these visits are fun too. We include games and contests to make appointments enjoyable and something they look forward to.
Why Early Monitoring Matters for Growing Smiles
Children’s mouths change quickly. Teeth, jaws, and facial structures develop in stages, and small changes can have a big impact over time. Orthodontic screenings allow our team to observe growth patterns as they happen rather than reacting later.
By tracking development early, we can identify spacing concerns, bite changes, or jaw discrepancies before they become more complex. This proactive approach often leads to simpler, more predictable outcomes and fewer surprises as your child grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early orthodontic screenings often raise questions for parents. These answers help explain what to expect and why monitoring matters.
At What Age Should My Child Have an Orthodontic Screening?
Most children benefit from an initial screening around age 6 or 7, when permanent teeth begin erupting and growth patterns emerge.
Does a Screening Mean My Child Will Need Braces Right Away?
No. Many children are simply monitored over time. Screenings help determine if and when treatment may be beneficial.
How Long Does a Screening Appointment Take?
Screenings are quick and comfortable, typically completed during a routine dental visit without additional chair time.
Can Early Screenings Help Reduce Future Treatment Time?
Yes. Identifying growth concerns early can simplify treatment later and, in some cases, shorten the time needed for braces.
What Happens If a Problem Is Found?
If concerns are identified, we clearly explain options and either continue monitoring or recommend next steps as appropriate.
