For Children
It’s best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and when the best time for treatment to begin. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and cross-bites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated.
When treatment is started early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaws and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, reduce the need for extraction of permanent teeth, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
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 time which can help with treatment.