At what age can people have orthodontic treatment?
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics, because healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Because monitoring growth and development is crucial to managing some orthodontic problems well, the AAO recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult. An orthodontic evaluation at any age is advisable if a parent, family dentist or the patients physician has noted a problem.
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics, because healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Because monitoring growth and development is crucial to managing some orthodontic problems well, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in or until facial growth is nearly complete may make correction of some problems more difficult.
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics because healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Because monitoring growth and development is crucial to managing some orthodontic problems well, we recommend that children have an examination at age 7. Waiting until all of the permanent teeth have come in or until facial growth is nearly complete may make correction of some problems more difficult.
A. Both children and adults can benefit from orthodontics. Children are typically not treated until after age 7, while adults of any age make great patients. Return to Top • Q. At what age should children have an orthodontic screening? A. It is recommended that a child’s first visit to an orthodontist take place by age seven. By this time, enough permanent teeth have come in and jaw growth has occurred to identify current and future problems. Although treatment may not actually be started until years later, early examination allows proper evaluation and planning for the best treatment program. Return to Top • Q. Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled? A. We may recommend having your family dentist extract certain baby teeth to alleviate crowding or to allow permanent teeth to grow in better. Return to Top • Q. How can a child’s growth affect orthodontic treatment? A. Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement one another.
