When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Preserving space for unerupted teeth
• Reducing the need for tooth removal
• Reducing treatment time with braces

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.

Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile-it creates a healthier you.
Benefits

Benefits

Two Phase Orthodontic Therapy - Interceptive Orthodontics
The idea behind interceptive or early treatment is to do an early phase of treatment (Phase I).This usually occurs between the ages of 7 and 11 for 12 to 18 months to help prevent and minimize future problems. After this Phase I treatment is completed, a holding or waiting phase is observed to allow all the remaining teeth to erupt. Once all permanent teeth have erupted around age 12, a determination is made if a Phase II (braces) is recommended to finalize the smile and bite.

Benefits Of Interceptive Treatment
For those patients who have clear indications for early intervention, early treatment presents the opportunity to:

• influence jaw growth in a positive manner and simplify and/or shorten treatment for later corrective orthodontics
• lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors and reduce need for extraction of permanent teeth
• preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth and reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
• reduce need for future jaw growth and improve aesthetics and self-esteem

Early orthodontic screening can lead to simpler, more effective treatment for dental patients or, at least, greater peace of mind.
Time Line of Two Phase Orthodontic Treatment