What is Early Orthodontic Treatment? | Common Treatments | Resources
For Children
The American Dental Association recommends evaluating children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.We invite you to schedule a consultation visit with Dr. Styrt to discuss what modern orthodontics can do for your child, and to determine the optimal time for your child's treatment to begin (which is often much earlier now than it was back in the 1960's to 1980's).
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