In some cases, your orthodontist may find a problem that can benefit from early treatment. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. For those patients who have clear indications for early orthodontic intervention, early treatment gives your orthodontist the chance to:

• Guide jaw growth
• Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• Correct harmful oral habits
• Improve appearance and self-esteem
• Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
• Improve the way lips meet

It’s not always easy for parents to tell if their child has an orthodontic problem. Here are some signs or habits that may indicate the need for an orthodontic examination:

• 
  Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
  Mouth breathing
  Thumb sucking
  Finger sucking
  Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth
  Jaws that shift or make sounds
  Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
  Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
  Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face

If any of these problems are noted by parents, regardless of age, it is advisable to consult an orthodontist.  It is not necessary to wait until age 7 for an orthodontic check-up.

©2006 American Association of Orthodontists