Dr. Chris Murphy provides detailed information on when children should see an orthodontist.
Phoenix, AZ – Many parents wonder when the best time would be to schedule an orthodontic evaluation for their children. Dr. Chris Murphy, a Phoenix orthodontist, says there are a number of factors to consider. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children see an orthodontist before they are seven years-old, and Dr. Murphy says there are also some signs and symptoms parents should be aware of regarding their child’s oral health that may suggest an orthodontic exam is necessary.
In a recent blog post on the Murphy Orthodontics website titled, “When You Should Take Your Child for an Orthodontic Evaluation,” Dr. Murphy says that a child’s molar teeth will typically have erupted by the age of seven. This makes it possible for an orthodontist to analyze their teeth for possible issues with their bite, jaw development, or overcrowding.
Dr. Murphy also discusses certain symptoms, as suggested by the American Association of Orthodontics, which may need orthodontic treatment. Oral habits such as thumb sucking, biting their cheek or the roof of their mouth, and facial asymmetry are signs a parent should speak with a dental or orthodontics professional about their child’s dental health, says Dr. Murphy. Other symptoms include crowding and/or gaps between their teeth, as well as:
- Difficulty speaking, chewing, or biting
- Misaligned, protruding or recessed jaw and/or teeth
- Losing their baby teeth significantly early or late
- Teeth grinding or clenching
Dr. Murphy says there are a variety of advanced treatments that can help children resolve orthodontic issues, including clear braces, traditional braces, and oral appliances. Ultimately, Dr. Murphy believes regularly scheduled dental appointments can identify potential problems early on and help children achieve beautiful, healthy teeth. “If a parent is unsure whether or not they should take their child to see an orthodontist they can give us a call to set up an evaluation appointment. The appointment is complimentary and we take full diagnostic records to do a comprehensive exam. If there is something that needs to be done then recommendations will be explained and questions answered. If no treatment is necessary, then the parent knows that their child has been looked at and we will continue complimentary visits twice a year to continue to guide their child’s dental development since issues can arise from year to year.”
About Chris Murphy, DDS
A board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Chris Murphy graduated Cum Laude from Southern Methodist University. He then attended the University of the Pacific Dental School, where he received a dental degree with honors, and completed a Master’s degree in orthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Dr. Murphy is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and many other organizations. He was also voted one of Phoenix’s Top Orthodontists in Phoenix Magazine. Dr. Murphy is available for interview upon request.
For more information about child orthodontics, visit murphyorthodontics.com and facebook.com/MurphyOrthodontics.
Contact:
Murphy Orthodontics
Phoenix/Scottsdale Office
5355 East High Street
Suite 105
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(602) 482-0022
Goodyear Office
13210 W. Van Buren Street
Suite 106
Goodyear, AZ 85338
(623) 932-9212
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com