Early treatment can be far more minimal than treatment as a teen or as an adult.

We recommend children have an initial orthodontic screening by the age of 7.  As by this time, the permanent incisors (front teeth) as well as the permanent first molars should have erupted. An evaluation at this time helps identify problems with future eruptions.

We can also evaluate growth discrepancies of the jaws, crossbites (when upper teeth hit inside the lower teeth), crowding, and the development of injury-prone dental protrusions. An early orthodontic assessment enables us to advise you if treatment will even be necessary, and if so, determine the best time for your child to be treated.

· Guide the growth of the jaws

· Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches

· Guide erupting permanent teeth to desirable positions

· Lower the risk of traumatic injury to protruded upper incisors (front teeth)

· Help eliminate harmful oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking which can cause open bites

· Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or some speech problems

· Improve personal appearance and self-esteem

· Potentially simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later comprehensive orthodontics