Q: At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic consultation no later than age 7.

Q: Why screen children by the age of 7?
The bite in the posterior portion of the mouth is established by the age of 7. To a great extent the bite in the posterior determines the bite in the anterior. Examples of the anterior bites that are corrected by an orthodontist are a Deep Overbite and an Underbite.

Q: What are the benefits of screening children by age 7?

• To influence jaw growth in a positive manner
• To harmonize the width of the dental arches
• To improve the way teeth erupt into the mouth
• To lower the risk of trauma to protruding upper incisors
• To correct harmful habits
• To improve aesthetics and self-esteem
• To simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
• To reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
• To improve some speech problems
• To preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth

In general, early orthodontic screening can lead to simpler, more effective treatment for dental patients or, at the least, a greater peace of mind.