For many years, most children only got braces once all adult teeth were in place. Newer trends in orthodontics (based on studies of skeletal growth, jaw space, and best outcomes) have shifted to an approach of interceptive orthodontics. For many children, future dental crowding is predictable from a young age, and corrections made before puberty can help ensure a better orthodontic outcome. If needed, orthodontic treatment is divided into 2 phases, with the first phase starting at around age 8 (this can be earlier or later depending on the teeth in the mouth) and is comprised of a palatal expander with or without braces. The second phase generally starts once all the adult teeth are present, but that can also be slightly different depending on the needs of the patient.
We evaluate our patients at every visit for their orthodontic needs, and are happy to discuss any questions with parents.
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