Preventive treatment

The permanent teeth erupt from the age of 5 to 13. The orthodontist can identify certain orthodontic problems at this age. Problems such as overbite, crossbite, underbite and crowding are usually evident as early as age 6. It may be necessary to correct the growth pattern of the jaws, or create space for the eruption of the permanent teeth. A thumb sucking habit, or tongue thrust swallow can interfere with the development of a normal bite. Treating some of these problems in the preadolescent years can prevent the need for more radical treatments such as surgery and extraction of permanent teeth. Children with protrusive incisors are at higher risk for having a tooth broken or knocked out. The preventive treatment is well worth it.

Adolescent treatment

For most teens, the last primary (baby) teeth are replaced by permanent teeth at the age of 12. Individual variation may accelerate or delay eruption by up to 2 years. This is a great time to straighten the teeth because the teeth are not yet badly worn or "set" in improper positions. Showing off your braces to your peers is in style.