For Children

It is recommended that a child see an orthodontist around age 7. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by this age and the bite can be evaluated. Most orthodontists prefer to treat children when all the permanent teeth are present, including the 12-year molars. Sometimes there are problems such as crossbites, crowding, or impacted teeth that warrant early treatment. This is called phase one treatment or early intervention. When braces are broken up into two phases, typically the first phase is designed to address specific problems. Then we take the braces off and let the rest of the permanent teeth errupt. Phase two or full comprehensive orthodontic treatment is typically evaluated around age 12 or 13. Early treatment can simplify later treatment by guiding the growth of the jaws in a positive way, eliminating the need for extractions of permanent teeth and reducing the likelihood of impacted teeth.