For Children

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit to the orthodontist at age 7. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated.
Having said this, usually no significant treatment is required this young, but it alway better to be safe than sorry!
When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.