Early Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first visit to the orthodontist is by their seventh birthday. Although it is rare for a child to need treatment at age seven, early evaluation provides timely and early detection of problems and a greater opportunity for effective treatment. If treatment is recommended at a young age when baby teeth are still present (Phase I) it is likely due to a severe issue that can be simplified if treated before all adult teeth erupt. Phase One treatments can be incredibly successful because the skeletal structure of young children is not yet fused. This means what would be difficult and complicated treatment in the future involving orthognathic surgery or dental extraction can be avoided with specific indicated early treatments.