At A Winning Smile Orthodontics, we know you want the best for your child—including a confident, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Dr. Catherine McDevitt and our caring team specialize in gentle, customized early orthodontic care for children in Worthington, Columbus, and the surrounding communities.
Your child’s comfort and positive experience are always our top priorities.
An early orthodontic evaluation is a proactive way to help safeguard your child’s dental health for the future. The American Association of Orthodontists advises scheduling a first orthodontic visit around age seven. At this stage, it’s easier for us to identify and correct emerging concerns with jaw development or incoming adult teeth—often before they become bigger problems.
Why is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation Important?
A visit to a child orthodontist in Columbus or Worthington doesn’t always mean braces right away! Early evaluations help lay the groundwork for a healthy smile. By age seven, most children have both baby and adult teeth, which lets Dr. Catherine spot key developmental issues.
Some benefits of an early evaluation include:
- Guiding Jaw Growth: Correct growth patterns and reduce the need for surgery or more complex treatments later.
- Lowering the Risk of Trauma: Address protruding front teeth that are vulnerable to injury.
- Improving Smile Appearance: Fixing noticeable issues early can boost your child’s self-esteem.
- Creating Space for New Teeth: Early care makes room for permanent teeth to come in properly.
- Correcting Harmful Habits: Help curb thumb sucking, mouth breathing, or other behaviors that may affect jaw and tooth development.
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. McDevitt takes the time to provide personal attention to every child—developing the most effective plan for their smile.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Early Orthodontic Treatment
If you notice any of the following signs in your child, an early braces evaluation may be helpful:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Teeth that do not meet properly or at all
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, or seem out of proportion with their face
- Frequent mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking beyond age five
- Protruding front teeth
Early visits also help children become comfortable with orthodontic care and build healthy habits for the future. Our welcoming, friendly team makes sure your child feels at home every step of the way.
Start Your Child’s Smile Journey Today
Proactive care lays the foundation for a lifetime of confident smiles. A free early orthodontic evaluation in Worthington or Columbus provides peace of mind and gives your child the best start for lifelong oral health. Dr. Catherine and our team are here to answer your questions with the expert, individualized care your family deserves.
Ready to learn more or schedule an early orthodontic treatment consultation?
FAQ
Q: What is the recommended age for a child’s first orthodontic visit?
A: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends seeing an orthodontist by age seven, even if there are no obvious problems.
Q: Will my child need braces right away?
A: Not necessarily. Early evaluation helps us monitor your child’s development and suggest treatment only if it’s truly needed. Many times, we simply watch and wait.
Q: What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
A: Early intervention can address issues before they become severe, reduce the need for future extractions or surgery, help correct harmful habits, and guide erupting teeth for better alignment.
Q: How long does early treatment take?
A: Every child is different, but early orthodontic treatment typically takes about 6–18 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
Q: Is early orthodontic care covered by dental insurance?
A: Many dental insurance plans offer some coverage for orthodontic treatment. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and answer any cost-related questions.
What happens if I wait too long to see an orthodontist?
A: Delaying may make some conditions harder to treat and could require more invasive procedures later. Early evaluation lets us create a plan for the healthiest smile possible!
If you have more questions about early orthodontic treatment in Worthington or Columbus, please reach out—our experts are always happy to help.