When you notice your child’s teeth coming in a bit crooked or their jaw shifting while they chew, it’s natural to wonder what comes next. Orthodontic evaluations for children in O’Fallon give families the clarity and direction they need to support healthy dental development. At My Child’s Dentist, Dr. Jim Burchett personally conducts every assessment, taking time to understand your child’s unique needs and growth patterns. Early evaluations aren’t about rushing into treatment—they’re about catching potential concerns while there’s still time to guide growth naturally and comfortably.
These initial assessments open doors to options you might not have considered. Sometimes early intervention prevents more complex work down the road, and other times it’s simply about monitoring development until the timing is right. Either way, you’ll have answers and a clear path forward.
Why Early Orthodontic Evaluations Matter
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check by age seven, and there’s good reason for that timing. By this age, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, giving Dr. Burchett a clear view of how everything is developing. Spotting issues early—like crowding, bite problems, or jaw growth concerns—means more treatment options and often simpler solutions.
Early orthodontic evaluations for children in O’Fallon help us:
- Guide proper jaw and facial bone development.
- Create space for incoming permanent teeth.
- Address habits that affect tooth positioning.
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth.
- Improve breathing and speech development.
Every child develops at their own pace, which is why Dr. Burchett tailors each evaluation to your child’s specific situation rather than following a rigid timeline.
What Happens During Your Visit
Walking into My Child’s Dentist for an orthodontic evaluation feels different from what you might expect. Dr. Burchett keeps things relaxed and welcoming, explaining everything in kid-friendly language so your child knows exactly what’s happening. The evaluation includes a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite, along with digital X-rays when needed to see what’s developing beneath the gums.
Dr. Burchett also discusses habits that may affect dental development, such as thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or mouth breathing. These conversations happen naturally as part of understanding your child’s overall oral health picture. You’ll leave with honest recommendations—whether that means starting treatment, monitoring growth over time, or simply celebrating that everything looks great.
Signs Your Child Might Benefit From an Evaluation
Some orthodontic concerns are obvious, while others fly under the radar until a professional takes a closer look. You might notice your child has difficulty biting or chewing certain foods, or perhaps their baby teeth fell out much earlier or later than their siblings’ did. Crowded or widely spaced teeth often catch parents’ attention, as do jaws that shift, pop, or click during movement.
Other signs worth discussing with Dr. Burchett include:
- Mouth breathing or frequent snoring
- Speech difficulties
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when biting
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Difficulty closing lips comfortably
Even without obvious signs, an evaluation provides valuable peace of mind. Dr. Burchett can confirm everything is progressing normally or catch subtle issues before they become more noticeable.
How Orthodontic Evaluations for Children in O’Fallon Support Future Smiles
Think of early orthodontic assessments as preventive care for your child’s smile. When Dr. Burchett identifies concerns during peak growth years, he can often work with your child’s natural development rather than against it. This might mean using a palate expander to create space before permanent teeth arrive, or simply monitoring growth patterns to determine the ideal time for future treatment.
The goal isn’t always immediate intervention—sometimes the best plan is strategic patience. Dr. Burchett explains what he sees, what it means for your child’s development, and when action makes the most sense. You’re never pressured into treatment before it’s truly needed.
Our Team’s Approach
At My Child’s Dentist, Dr. Burchett personally handles every orthodontic evaluation, dental exam, and treatment plan discussion. You won’t be passed off to different providers who don’t know your child’s history or unique needs. Our approach centers on building relationships with families, answering questions thoroughly, and making sure both kids and parents feel confident about the care they’re receiving.
We’ve built our practice right here in O’Fallon because we believe in serving our community for the long term. From your child’s first visit through their teenage years and beyond, we’re here to support healthy dental development at every stage.
Take the Next Step for Your Child's Smile
Orthodontic evaluations give you the advantage of time—time to plan, to prevent complications, and to make informed decisions about your child’s dental health. Whether you’ve noticed concerning signs or simply want the reassurance of a professional assessment, Dr. Burchett and our team are ready to help.
Ready to learn more about how we support growing smiles? Explore our pediatric dentistry services, contact us with questions, or find us for an appointment. Your child’s healthiest smile starts with one conversation.
