Why age 7? Because by the time your child is 7, his or her first molars have erupted, incisors have begun to erupt and the posterior occlusion is established. This means we can evaluate the antero-posterior and transverse relationships of the occlusion and discover if there have been any functional shifts. Problems such as crowding, habits, deep bites, open bites and some facial asymmetries can be detected and evaluated.

For some patients, early screening will mean that we can begin treatment at a time that will provide the best treatment benefits and result in fewer complicated procedures later. In these cases, we will be able to:

Some questions to ask while at the office:

• Simplify treatment time
• Treat in less time
• Lessen the time and complexity of later treatment
• Improve the eruption patterns of your child’s teeth
• Improve aesthetics
• Positively influence jaw growth
• Widen the dental arches
• Lessen the risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors
• Stop harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
• Reduce the possibility of impacted teeth
• Preserve permanent teeth
• Make space for eruption of permanent teeth
• Improve speech problems
• And, just as important as orthodontic corrections, heighten your child’s self-esteem.

Whether your child needs treatment now, later or not at all, you will have peace of mind in knowing that your child’s smile is protected.