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It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic
treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be treated. The
first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites,
crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun 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.
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