Most kids get braces right before they become a teenager, so why should they go see the orthodontist even earlier than then for an evaluation? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children start seeing the Orthodontist at 7 years old. Some orthodontic problems can be addressed at this age in a non-invasive manner while the jaws and teeth are still developing. The key is growth. For certain issues, early orthodontic treatment can prevent future stress and damage to the teeth by harnessing this growth. This early treatment is called Phase I, which is often followed by a second stage of treatment called Phase II where the position of the adult teeth are finalized with braces.
Here are some examples of early orthodontic problems:
If your child is 7 years or older and you are concerned about any of these orthodontic problems, Yu Smiles Orthodontics can help!
– Dr. Yu