Approximately 1.5% of all patients who require Orthodontic treatment are best scheduled to begin treatment after all growth has ceased, late teens (girls) to early 20’s (boys). Most patients are best treated just before the 3 year baby molars fall out and the 2nd premolars erupt, about ages 11 (girls) to 12 (boys). But for 10-15% of the population early treatment is recommended. Depending on the treatment need, that could be anywhere from ages 7 to 10.

For best prognosis, appropriate treatment timing is exquisitely important. For the child that needs a palatal expander, age 7 is ideal. I can make the same expander for the patient at 10, obtaining the same palatal expansion, but we may have passed the window of opportunity to prevent upper permanent canine impactions.

For the seven year old with a recessive lower jaw, 7 is a bit early for optimum intervention. Wearing a European style Bionator to enhance horizontal growth of the lower jaw is best accomplished at the inception of the pre-pubertal growth spurt, about age 9-10.

It is important to note that children do not read the same growth and development text books and journals that Orthodontists read. For the most part, neither do General Dentists, and as to the high-school graduate that runs the scanner in a Mall store….. For true Dento-Facial Growth and Development Supervision, please see an Orthodontist. It’s your child’s face, see an Orthodontist.

Early Orthodontic Treatment