Orthodontics for Children

When should I seek orthodontic care for my children?

While orthodontic treatment can improve smiles at any age, there is usually a best age to begin treatment in order to achieve maximum improvement with the minimum amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child's first visit to an orthodontist take place by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected. Although treatment may not actually be started until years later, early examination allows Dr. Caskey to detect and evaluate problems and plan appropriate treatment.

In some cases, early treatment may be initiated to prevent more serious problems from developing. This early intervention generally will make comprehensive treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. However, many times the best treatment is to wait until all permanent teeth erupt and use braces to correct all of the problems.

No two patients are the same and no two treatment plans are identical. Individual planning for each patient will yield the best results, but treatment while the jaws and teeth are still growing and developing almost always results in treatment that is easier, faster, and less costly.