How to tell if your child may need early orthodontic treatment

---

• Early or late loss of baby teeth (your child should typically start losing teeth around age five, and will have all permanent teeth around age 13)

• Difficulty chewing and/or biting

• Mouth breathing

• Your child continues sucking his or her thumb after age five

• Speech impediments

• Protruding teeth (the top teeth and the bottom teeth extend away from each other)

• Teeth that don't come together in a normal manner or even at all

• Shifting of the jaw when your child opens or closes his or her mouth (crossbites)

• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of the above problems, or if you have been directed by your family dentist to visit the orthodontist, please contact our office and schedule an appointment. Our team will provide your child with an initial exam, and Dr. Finkelmeier will discuss with you the best steps to take toward caring for your child's smile.

---