Tiny Teeth

Unlike your heart or brain, your teeth weren't ready to work from the day your were born. Although babies have the beginnings of their first teeth even before they were born, teeth don't become visible until babies are about 6-12 months old.

After that first tooth breaks through, more and more teeth begin to appear. Most kids have their first set of teeth by the time they are 3 years old. These are called primary or baby teeth, and there are 20 in all. When a child gets to age 5 or 6, these teeth start falling out, one by one. A baby tooth falls out because it is being pushed out of the way by the permanent tooth that is behind it.

Around age 7 or 8, most kids have at least 4 adult teeth. It is at this time that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children should be screened by an orthodontic specialist for potential early treatment. The goal of this type of treatment is to reverse potential problems such as severe crowding, overbites/underbites, and to avoid impacted teeth. It is also important to continue to monitor the eruption pattern of developing teeth as well as the proper timing for comprehensive orthodontic treatment which often occurs around age 10 or 11.

Early interceptive treatment often makes comprehensive orthodontic care easier, shorter, and less expensive. If you suspect your child may benefit from early orthodontic treatment, please contact our office for a complimentary screening. We would love to hear from you!