 About Orthodontics
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 Orthodontics for Kids/Teens
It is best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time. Crossbites, crowding, overbites, and other problems can then be evaluated.
If conditions warrant early treatment, the orthodontist can modify the growth of the jaws and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can:
- regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- gain space for permanent teeth
- avoid the need for extraction of permanent teeth
- reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- correct thumb-sucking
- eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
Sometimes an initial stage of early treatment can alleviate serious problems or simplify later treatment.
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