Pediatric Orthodontics

Does it seem like you notice kids wearing braces at younger and younger ages now than years ago? This is referred to as “early” treatment or “phase one” treatment, and it is indeed more common now than in years past.  

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic consultation at age 7 with a certified orthodontist. This is when the adult front teeth and “six-year molars” are in the mouth. At this point, the orthodontist can use these dental “landmarks” to identify orthodontic problems that are forming or have already formed.

In some cases, an orthodontic intervention is recommended to resolve bite and smile problems during the childhood years while reducing the complexity, time, and expense of orthodontic braces down the road in adolescence. In many cases, however, these early consultations reveal only minor orthodontic issues or even none at all, giving parents the peace of mind to plan for elective braces in the future or perhaps none at all. A free orthodontic consultation can help determine if your child may benefit from early treatment.

See our blog post on this topic for more information about orthodontic treatment for children

See the chart below for some common orthodontic problems which may be identified in the childhood years.