Orthodontics for Kids/Teens

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that at age 7 children should be evaluated by an orthodontist. This visit will provide parents with information regarding their child's skeletal growth pattern and dental development, and it will help to advise parents on ideal treatment timing. In some cases the orthodontist will simply monitor the patient at a 6 to 12 month interval until the patient is ready for treatment.

Early treatment can:

• Move the front teeth back so they will be less susceptible to injury
• Use maximum advantage of growth for successful treatment
• Take advantage of the good cooperation of patients at this age
• 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 regulate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
• Improve the child's self-image during formative years

Simply stated, early treatment can simplify later treatment.