What is the appropriate age for a child to begin orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all patients be seen for an orthodontic examination by age 7. Many severe problems can be prevented from fully developing by initiating early orthodontic treatment (age 7 to 9 years old). It is best to be seen by an orthodontist at or before age 7 to determine if they have orthodontic problems and when would be the appropriate time for the orthodontist to intervene with treatment of these problems.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all patients be seen for an orthodontic examination by age 7. I like to see my patients at 7 to 9 years of age. Very rarely will I start treatment but it gives me the opportunity to follow growth and have a much better insight to the growth pattern a patient has and then use that knowledge to provide treatment using that individuals growth to achieve a more stable long term result.
