For Children

For Children The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening for children by age 7 to advise if treatment is indicated and to recommend the best time for that patient to start treatment. The first permanent teeth have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated.

If early orthodontic treatment is indicated, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and help direct incoming permanent teeth. Early orthodontic treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and help with abnormal swallowing or speech problems.

Complete orthodontic treatment usually begins just before the final baby molars are lost. This timing is recommended in order to make the best use of the space difference between the final baby teeth and permanent teeth. The most active period of jaw growth usually occurs at this same time of development.

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