The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by age 7 to determine if orthodontic treatment is required and to advise the best time for that patient to be treated. In most instances, the permanent first molars and permanent incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems may be evaluated.
When orthodontic treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early orthodontic treatment may also correct the width of the upper and lower dental arches, increase space for permanent teeth and thereby eliminate the need for permanent tooth extractions, decrease the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct habits such as thumb-sucking, and eliminate speech problems. Early orthodontic treatment may simplify orthodontic treatment needed when all the permanent teeth have erupted.