Early Treatment is Sometimes Necessary

Seven years of age is an important structural and statural landmark in a child's life when it comes to correcting bones and teeth. Often, an overbite or underbite is due to jaw bones, not teeth, growing in disharmony. The correction of the bones must begin very early while the bones are changing rapidly. Bones can be stimulated to grow more, expanded with a palate spreader, or impeded with different treatment modalities. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends seven (7) years old for the first visit to the orthodontist for every child in the U.S. whether referred by the general dentist or not. Early intervention (called Phase I) can sometimes be the difference between extracting adult teeth and jaw surgery or not. Many families are moving off the sidelines and getting into the ballgame with the strengthening economy.