At what age should my child visit an orthodontist

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist by age 7 years. At this age, permanent teeth are erupted and the bite can be assessed. While the treatment at this age is often not indicated, an assessment can give parents peace of mind knowing that teeth and jaws are developing properly. If treatment is not indicated, the orthodontist to place the child in observing and timing that he or she is seen regularly to monitor growth and development of the jaws and the eruption of teeth. Often, however, early treatment is indicated and may prevent more serious complications or a greater involvement in treatment time (i.e., the extraction of permanent teeth). This early intervention is often referred to as Phase I, since the treatment began before the eruption of all permanent teeth. Some of the conditions under which the Phase I treatment is indicated include: a greater or lesser development of the jaw, moderate to severe overcrowding of teeth, spacing of the teeth that cause obstruction of permanent teeth, a habit (such as thumb sucking or tongue thrust), the premature loss of teeth requiring space maintenance, and / or low self-esteem due to an awkward smile. Phase I treatment usually lasts 12-18 months and may include a device (e.g. a hat or expander) and / or limited braces. After an early treatment is completed, retainers are released to hold the teeth and keep the space as more teeth erupt. Once all the permanent teeth erupt (age 11 or 12) the brakes are very often found, and this is known as Phase II of treatment. If the rest of the permanent teeth erupt into a good position, it is sometimes possible that a second phase is not required.