Early Treatment
One of the most common questions we get from parents is when they should first bring their child in to see us. Along with the American Association of Orthodontists, we ask that children first come to see us at age 7 - by this age, the back bite is established, so we can identify any current or developing orthodontic problems. While we may not need to start treatments this early, by evaluating treatment at this age, we can monitor you child's development and determine the ideal time to begin treatment.
During you child's first visit, we'll perform a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation to determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed such as open bite, overbite, or crowding. We'll then determine if we need to monitor your child's development or begin treatment right away. If treatment is necessary, we'll create a comprehensive plan to help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Treatment for common orthodontic problems typically begins around age 9-14, when all of the baby teeth are gone and many of the permanent ones are in place. But there are some conditions that are much easier to treat if they're caught at an early age, when a child's natural growth processes are going full speed ahead.
Crossbites
One is severe crossbite, a condition where the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth. To treat this problem, a device called a palatal expander can be used, which gradually and painlessly widens the upper jaw; it's especially effective when the jaw itself hasn't fully developed. If we wait too long, a more complicated treatment — or even oral surgery — might be required to correct the problem.
