The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children receive an orthodontic screening at age 7. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and cross bites, crowding, and other growth related problems can be evaluated.

Most of the children we see at that age do not need active treatment but many do benefit from the early screening in other ways. Those that will need treatment someday are followed on a regular basis as part of our “Pre-Treatment Recall” program. Sometimes just the early removal of one or two baby teeth can lessen the severity and length of future orthodontic treatment.

Early screening and follow-up also allows us to recommend the ideal age at which to start treatment to achieve the optimal result in the least amount of time. It also allows parents to better plan their orthodontic investment by making timely decisions regarding flex spending and dental insurance.

When treatment is begun early in those patients who need it, Dr. Ruff can guide the growth of the jaws and the eruption of permanent teeth, help reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth and help correct thumb-sucking. In other words, early treatment in those children who need it can simplify later treatment with full braces.