What is the ideal age for a child to start orthodontic treatment? At Dental Artistry we believe the answer is
- as soon as an orthodontic problem is identified, and
- as soon as the child will accept treatment
In a healthy situation the teeth of a pre-school aged child should be spaced, to allow room for the wider adult teeth to erupt. When the child bites together, all upper and lower teeth should meet and the upper teeth should all sit in front of/outside the lower teeth. When the child swallows, all upper and lower teeth should meet. If a child’s teeth deviate from any of these norms, early orthodontic treatment may be required.
 'Crossbite' - Lower teeth biting in front of upper teeth |
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 No spaces between baby teeth - therefore inadequate space for permanent teeth |
Orthodontic treatment is of course only effective when a child is willing and able to tolerate dental visits and orthodontic appliances. Though we prefer to treat children as soon as orthodontic problems are identified, sometimes this is not feasible. In this circumstance we monitor the child with regular visits until they are comfortable and happy to proceed.