What Age Is Best for Orthodontic Treatment for Children?

The American Dental Association recommends that a child visit an orthodontist by the age of 7 years, before the eruption of permanent teeth. This allows the orthodontist to identify any potential problems and correct them with orthodontic treatment during your child’s primary growth period. Early interception, called Pre-Eruptive Guidance (PEG), can prevent long-term problems, and may even help your child avoid braces altogether.

What Are the Benefits of Early Treatment?

Early limited treatment is typically less expensive, takes less time, avoids most tooth extraction, and produces more stable results. It’s also less painful for your child, as opposed to trying to correct and straighten teeth in an adult mouth, where problems have already become fully grown and well-established.

In addition to the advantages of early orthodontic treatment for children, PEG lets Mother Nature do the work. Most early treatment allows for expansion of the existing erupting teeth long before they appear, which prevents impaction and front teeth from coming through in the wrong position. This is one of the reasons our office NEVER has to use fixed, bonded or banded retainers that the patient has to wear forever to keep their teeth straight. Durable orthodontic retainers are all that Dr. Sal’s office uses.

Get Started with A Phone Call

If your child or children have a need for orthodontic treatment, our office can help. The Say Smile Team is gentle and we understand that young children may be apprehensive during their first visit to see an orthodontist. We’ll carefully diagnose your child's oral health needs and formulate a treatment plan, then guide your child to a beautiful smile with healthy teeth. Call one of our three offices today to make your appointment!