How early should children see an Orthodontist?
We normally like to see our patients at about age 7. At this time we may not need to do anything more than watch how the teeth are erupting. But, if we see a problem developing then early treatment allows us to correct or prevent future problems.

What kind of problems can children have?
Many children have a problem of tooth size to bone size discrepancy. In other words, the teeth are just too big for their mouths. In cases like these, we have had good success in placing expanders in patient mouths that widen their bones so there is more room for new teeth. This procedure is very simple and painless. In most cases there is no longer need to extract permanent teeth to have a nice straight smile.  This is called a Phase I treatment because patients may or may not need additional treatment. If further treatment is required the procedure is called Phase II and may consist of Invisalign, retainers or braces.

What about bite problems in children?
Another treatment we do at an early age is bone corrections when the upper and lower jaws do not align properly with each other. Sometimes the lower jaw is far behind the upper jaw (called Class II). Sometimes the opposite is true with the lower jaw further forward than the upper jaw (called Class III). Cross bites are also a bone problem where the width of the upper jaw is too narrow for the width of the lower jaw. This condition often causes children to slide their jaws into an unnatural bite which can lead to an asymmetrical growth causing joint problems. These skeletal problems can create a problem for the bite and should be corrected.

When is it necessary to pull baby teeth?
Sometimes we need to extract primary (baby) teeth. This is called serial extractions in order to make room for the permanent teeth. This may be due to large permanent teeth or stubborn baby teeth not wanting to fall out.