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Early Treatment

Timing is important — especially when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment.

When a possible orthodontic problem is recognized by your dentist, you should see a specialist as soon as possible. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should be seen by an orthodontist by the age of 7 to be evaluated.

Early Treatment (also called “interceptive treatment”) happens most commonly for children ages 6-10. This may include partial braces, palate expanders or other appliances, Invisalign First, or simple space maintainers.

Why so early?

When an early alignment problem is recognized, it is typically while some baby teeth are still present alongside permanent teeth.

Although taking your young child to an orthodontist this early may seem premature, there is enough information present in tooth and jaw growth for an orthodontist to know if early treatment would be advantageous for your child.

How Do I Know if My Child Needs Early Treatment?

  • Speech impediment

  • Mouth breathing

  • Protruding teeth

  • Difficulty biting or chewing

  • Crowding of front teeth

  • Thumb-sucking after age 3

  • Shifting of jaw

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth

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For more information, please see the following articles:

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment - American Association of Orthodontists

Problems to Watch for in Growing Children - American Association of Orthodontists