Orthodontics and Children: Why age 7 Is optimal

The Canadian and American Association of Orthodontists recommend that children should first be evaluated by an orthodontist around age 7 or sometimes earlier. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always have to wait for all the permanent teeth to come in to solve orthodontic problems. An early orthodontic examination when both permanent and baby teeth are present will allow us to detect or intercept problems early, and help ensure maximum dental and facial development for your child. Some treatment options are lost once bony growth has stopped.

The benefits of early detection

  • A reduced need to extract permanent teeth.
  • Reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery.
  • An opportunity to guide the growth of the jaw.
  • Guide incoming permanent teeth into desirable positions.
  • Lower risk of trauma or injury to protruded front teeth.
  • Correct harmful oral habits, such as thumb and finger sucking
  • Maintain or gain space for the permanent teeth that are coming in.
  • May minimize the need for more extensive and costly procedures later.
  • Early orthodontic treatment may also aid in a child’s psychological development when related to appearance and self-esteem.
  • Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems.
  • Assess and treat airway, breathing, and excessive snoring problem.

Early detection will allow us to start treatment at the optimal time to be able to produce excellent results and keep treatment time and cost to a minimum. If your child is not ready for treatment, we will place them into our Guidance Program to periodically monitor their growth and development. There is No Charge for this service.

The benefits of early detection

  • A reduced need to extract permanent teeth.
  • Reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery.
  • An opportunity to guide the growth of the jaw.
  • Guide incoming permanent teeth into desirable positions.
  • Lower risk of trauma or injury to protruded front teeth.
  • Correct harmful oral habits, such as thumb and finger sucking
  • Maintain or gain space for the permanent teeth that are coming in.
  • May minimize the need for more extensive and costly procedures later.
  • Early orthodontic treatment may also aid in a child’s psychological development when related to appearance and self-esteem.
  • Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems.
  • Assess and treat airway, breathing, and excessive snoring problem.

Early detection will allow us to start treatment at the optimal time to be able to produce excellent results and keep treatment time and cost to a minimum. If your child is not ready for treatment, we will place them into our Guidance Program to periodically monitor their growth and development. There is No Charge for this service.