It's best for the orthodontist
to see children by
age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is
required and it is the best time for that patient
to be treated. The first permanent molars and
incisors have usually come in by that time and
crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be
evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the
orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and
guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment
can also regulate the width of the upper and lower
dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth,
avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions,
reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking,
and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other
words, early treatment can simplify later treatment. |
