For Children

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It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if a first phase of orthodontic treatment is required. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated (if present). If treatment is started early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and make room for erupting permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, possibly 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 the second phase of treatment after all permanent teeth have erupted.

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