The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, enough permanent teeth have come in to identify potential problems with jaw growth and tooth alignment.
Early treatment, sometimes called Phase 1 treatment, can address issues like crossbites, severe crowding, and jaw growth discrepancies before they become more difficult to correct. This can reduce the need for more extensive treatment later and, in some cases, eliminate the need for tooth extractions.
Not every child needs early treatment, and our team at My Scottsdale Dentist will provide an honest assessment of whether intervention is beneficial at this stage. If treatment is not yet needed, we will monitor your child's development and recommend the optimal time to begin.