Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up at Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Johnson, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for us to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at 704-706-9041 to schedule an appointment.

Ask Dr. Chad Johnson: Why should my teeth be straight?

People wonder why the team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! Located in Harrisburg, our state-of-the-art office offers comfort, convenience, and today's most advanced orthodontic technology, proving that your healthy smile is our top priority!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Johnson and our team can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment. Dr. Johnson and our well-trained staff are committed to providing the best care for our Harrisburg, Concord, and Charlotte patients.

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Chad Johnson is a native of Fort Smith, Arkansas. His father is a dentist and he grew up around the dental field. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with B.S. in Zoology and a M.S. in Immunology. He then attended the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans, Louisiana. While there he participated in dental research. He received multiple awards for his research and represented the dental school at various national and international dental research meetings. During his time in dental school, he was one of approximately thirty dental students from around the nation selected to participate in the Junior COSTEP program through the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service and the Indian Health Services. Through this service he provided dental care to the native Eskimo tribes in southwestern Alaska.

While in dental school Dr. Johnson found the limited orthodontic portion of his dental training interesting and exciting. He decided to pursue the orthodontic field further and was accepted and graduated from the University of Colorado Orthodontic Residency Program. Dr. Johnson is an ABO board certified orthodontist. During his time in the residency Dr. Johnson, along with his wife and his young daughters, decided to settle in Harrisburg, North Carolina. The area reminds them of Arkansas and offers them a beautiful and vibrant setting to raise a family and become a part of the community. The Johnson's live and work locally here in Harrisburg.

Dr. Johnson and his wife, Susan, have three daughters, Hailey, Elle and Keira. In his free time, Dr. Johnson enjoys many outdoor activities such as camping, rock climbing, and golf.