Early Treatment

At what age should treatment start?

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. However, there is an ideal time when the best improvement can be achieved. Contrary to popular belief, orthodontics is not something to postpone until a child is older. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. An early exam ensures maximum dental health for your child.

EARLY TREATMENT PRESENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO:

  • influence jaw growth in a positive manner
  • improve the width of the dental arches
  • reduce the need to extract permanent teeth
  • reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery
  • lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
  • correct harmful oral habits
  • improve aesthetics and self-esteem
  • simplify and shorten treatment time for definitive orthodontic treatment

REMEMBER, ALL KIDS SHOULD HAVE AN ORTHODONTIC SCREENING NO LATER THAN AGE 7.

For some patients, timely treatment may prevent the need for jaw surgery, extraction of permanent teeth, or fracture of protruded incisors.

Early treatment may also help your child’s self-esteem. A complete evaluation will determine if your child will benefit from early orthodontic treatment.

EARLY TREATMENT CAN ALSO ALLOW US TO:

  • increase stability of final treatment results
  • reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
  • improve speech development
  • improve position of first permanent molars
  • guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
  • improve lip competence
  • preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth
  • reduce potential for damage to TM joints
  • encourage better compliance before the uncooperative teenage years.