Most orthodontists recommend orthodontic treatment around the ages of 7-13. This is due to the fact that orthodontic problems can develop before a child’s adult teeth even come in. Six-year orthodontic treatment can be viewed as “early orthodontics”. In doing so, there will be no need for the full orthodontic treatment which is typically carried out by age 13.

For this very reason, orthodontists recommend seeing an orthodontist at the first sign of orthodontic problems, or before orthodontic treatment is needed to prevent orthodontic problems.

If your child falls into any of these categories, it may be best to schedule an orthodontic consultation to assess orthodontic problems.

• Unstable front teeth, also called a Class III malocclusion

• Spacing or crowding of teeth that cannot be corrected with a retainer alone 

• Unusually shaped dental arches 

• Excessive overbite, where the lower front teeth cover too much of the upper front teeth when the child bites down 

• Protruding or jutting out of the lower jaw, also called an overjet (this may be due to thumb-sucking)

• Excessive spacing between their upper teeth, which can cause orthodontic problems in the future