Early Treatment
The AAO recommends that a child’s first visit to the orthodontist occur no later than 7 years of age. It is quite likely that no treatment will be indicated at this time, but some problems, if detected at this time, are much easier to correct than if left for a number of years.
Dr. Lowry believes that most problems can be corrected once all the adult teeth have grown in. Early treatment should be reserved for cases when intervention can be of significant benefit. Early treatment can allow orthodontists to use the growth of the jaws to help correct major problems. In some situations, if one waits too long, that option is lost.
Often times if a child needs early treatment, he or she will need a second phase of treatment once all the adult teeth have grown in.