It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if
orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that
patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors
have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and
other problems can be evaluated. 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.
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