While many orthodontic treatments can start during the teenage years, some children require earlier intervention in order to prevent problems from worsening, take advantage of growth, and increase the success of treatment later on. An additional benefit is improving esthetic issues that may be harming the child’s self-esteem.

The American and Canadian Associations of Orthodontists (AAO and CAO) recommend an orthodontic consultation by age 7. This is when the permanent teeth have begun to emerge in the mouth, and is an ideal time to ensure problems are not arising. Dr. Kader can determine whether treatment is needed at this time to:

• correct crossbites
• guide permanent teeth in the proper direction  
• create space for permanent teeth
• protect protruding front teeth from trauma
• modify growth to improve jaw relationship
• improve confidence and self-esteem by improving esthetics

If no treatment is necessary, the child can be monitored for any future needs.

Once early treatment is complete, the child can be closely followed thereafter to determine when and if additional treatment is required in the teenage years, using Braces or Invisalign. In many cases, early treatment allows for the second phase of treatment to be simpler, because serious issues such as displaced teeth, lack of space, and growth disturbances may have already been improved.