For Children
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child first be seen by an orthodontist by age 7. An orthodontic examination at this age will help determine if orthodontic problems exist and the appropriate time for treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic problems may help guide tooth eruption and facial growth. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and cross-bites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. In most cases, patients at this age will be placed on a recall schedule so that we may monitor the development of the permanent dentition. However, in certain situations, interceptive orthodontic treatment may be warranted and may simplify later treatment.
If treatment is begun early it is usually followed by a resting period. In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. The need for further orthodontic treatment is then re-evaluated as the permanent dentition develops.
The majority of orthodontic patients are treated in a single phase when most of the permanent teeth have erupted. Treatment generally requires braces on all of the teeth for an average of 18-24 months. Each patient has unique treatment needs. We diagnose and plan each treatment case on an individual basis to provide the highest quality orthodontic care possible.