Treatment for Children

Dr. Chang and the American Associations of Orthodontists recommends the first orthodontic screening around age seven to assess if there are orthodontic concerns and to determine the best time for the patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by this time and cross bites, crowding, and jaw alignment problems can be evaluated. When treatment is initiated at an early age, the orthodontist can help guide the growth of the jaws and the eruption of the incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth (often avoiding the need for permanent tooth extractions and reducing the likelihood of impacted teeth), correct thumb-sucking, and improve abnormal swallowing or speech problems. Because of this, Early (Phase I) treatment will usually simplify and/or shorten definitive (Phase II) treatment.