What X-Rays and Scans Show Us
At your child’s first orthodontic consultation, we take photographs of the teeth and bite along with digital X-rays. A visual exam alone does not tell us everything we need to know. Many of the details that matter most for planning treatment are hidden beneath the gum line: permanent teeth that have not yet erupted, the position and angle of tooth roots, the amount of space available for teeth still coming in, and how the jaw is growing.
A panoramic X-ray gives us a single image of the entire mouth, including teeth that have not yet emerged. This helps us identify issues such as missing or extra teeth, impacted teeth, and how your child’s jaw growth compares to what we would expect for their age.
Why This Matters for Children Specifically
We recommend an orthodontic evaluation by around age 7, following guidance from the American Association of Orthodontists. At this age, a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and imaging helps us see whether their bite and jaw are developing as expected. In some cases, early imaging identifies a problem, such as an impacted tooth or a significant jaw discrepancy, that is easier to address while your child is still growing. In other cases, it confirms that development is on track and that we simply need to monitor growth over time.
Are X-Rays Necessary for Every Child?
We only recommend X-rays and scans when they provide information a visual exam cannot. For a first consultation, imaging generally gives us the clearest picture of what is happening beneath the surface, which allows us to make an accurate recommendation rather than guessing. Digital X-rays use a low dose of radiation, and we take only the images needed to evaluate your child’s specific situation.
If you have questions about the X-rays or scans recommended for your child, our team is glad to walk you through what we are looking for and why.
I am Dr. MacKenzie, an orthodontist with over 20 years of experience serving Saint John, the Rothesay and Quispamsis area, and Charlotte County, New Brunswick. I have offices in uptown Saint John, Rothesay, and St. Stephen. To schedule your child’s free consultation, visit our free consult page.
Learn more on our Your First Orthodontic Visit page, and see our Treatment for Children (Ages 6-10) page for related information.