Early Treatment

Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present. The orthodontist can prepare the mouth for the eventual eruption of the permanent teeth by correcting the skeletal problems at a younger age. It is recommended to schedule a checkup with an orthodontist once an orthodontic problem is first recognized, usually no later than 7 years of age.

The goal of early treatment is to intercept developing problems, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. A patient may require a second course of treatment after all permanent teeth have come in to move those teeth into their best positions. Early treatment lessens the chance of permanent tooth extraction or other surgical procedures later on, reducing the overall cost of treatment.