Early Treatment

Even though most people think of pre-teens and teens when they think of orthodontics, there are good reasons your child should get an orthodontic evaluation much sooner. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

1. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
2. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
3. The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine or the orthodontist may identify a developing problem. In some cases the recommendation may simply be to monitor the child’s growth and development waiting for the appropriate time to begin treatment. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that will benefit from early treatment and begin a short, 6-9 month, Phase 1 treatment.
4. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
5. Often when early treatment is needed the orthodontist is able to achieve results that may not be possible once the jaws have finished growing.
6. Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:
   • Guide jaw growth.
   • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth.
   • Correct harmful oral habits.
   • Improve appearance.
   • Create an environment where all of the permanent teeth are allowed to erupt.
7. Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.