The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and American Academy of Pediatricians recommend all children see an orthodontist by age 7. This is to ensure that the upper and lower jaws and all permanent teeth are developing in a normal pattern. At age 7, most children's teeth are developing typically, and this appointment becomes a good visit for pictures and an initial x-ray. You will not be charged a fee at our office for these observational visits including any x-rays or pictures taken, so we invite everyone to take advantage of finding out how your child's teeth are developing. Dr. Emerson is very conservative and will only recommend interceptive treatment if your child has a problem that left untreated could become worse.

When treatment begins early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.