Early Treatment

Early intervention can make a dramatic impact on establishing the proper occlusal foundation. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontist by the time they reach age 7 for early detection of any potential problems. By the age of 7, some of the permanent teeth have erupted, so that most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. At this stage of mixed dentition, we can spot potential orthodontic problems related to jaw growth and eruption of adult teeth. Some growth-related orthodontic problems are easier to correct when they are identified early…while the facial bones are still growing.

As orthodontists, we are uniquely trained and qualified to diagnose early problems and treat them before more significant issues occur. Early treatment is perhaps the most important treatment to our patients. Growth and development can be guided to give our patients a balanced and harmonious structural base (bone) on which their teeth can then be made to fit perfectly.

An early exam allows us to determine how and when a child’s particular jaw and/or dental problems should be corrected for the optimal results. Early treatment, or phase one therapy, may be needed to create a better environment to idealize the occlusion for the patient or possibly create an environment to avoid treatment forever. An early orthodontic examination does not always result in immediate treatment. After evaluating your child, we may simply want to monitor your child periodically while the permanent teeth erupt and the jaws and face continue to develop.