Early Treatment

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
  
• Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
  
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
  
• Preserving space for unerupted teeth
  
• Reducing the need for tooth removal
  
• Reducing treatment time with braces

Give your child a head start
on a great smile.

Your child's secret to a great smile (and less time spent in braces!) is early interceptive orthodontic treatment. This means bringing your child in for an orthodontic exam as early as age 7 – while his or her teeth and facial bones are still growing.