Whether or not an orthodontic problem is detected, a child should visit an orthodontist for a checkup no later than age 7. Although treatment will not necessarily begin at this early age, an examination is important to ensure maximum dental health for your child.

If your child has a problem that requires attention, the orthodontist may recommend interceptive treatment. Early intervention, which takes advantage of facial growth and tooth eruption, can decrease the severity of a problem and it frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age less time consuming and less expensive.

Interceptive treatment may be beneficial in:

• Avoiding fracture or loss of protruding teeth
• Assuring that the jaws and teeth meet properly during chewing and swallowing
• Eliminating adverse habits such as thumb/finger sucking, tongue thrusting and lip habits
• Correcting early alignment of teeth
• Enhancing proper speech development
• Evaluating breathing problems that may adversely affect normal jaw growth and shape
• Correcting crossbite, tooth grinding, tooth interference and lower jaw displacement
• Coordinating the extraction of primary (baby) teeth with the family dentist and allowing for proper eruption of permanent teeth
• Improving self-image