You may have heard that it is not a kindness to the patient to wait to take them to an orthodontist when the permanent teeth are all erupted. Some orthodontic problems require earlier treatment. Severe crowding, crossbites, narrow jaws, severe over jets, underbites, thumb and tongue problems, all these sometimes benefit from early treatment. Postponing the initial examination may mean beginning treatment later in the child's all-too-little remaining growth, and condemns the patient to extractions, reduced jaw size, less harmonious facial profile, and increased risk of gum or jaw-joint problems later. Most children should be screened by an orthodontist at age seven. A few will need early treatment (while baby teeth are still present), and they will probably need a second stage of treatment at age 13, but the results are important enough that the option should be considered. Some children should be referred even earlier, as soon as the malocclusion is discovered in the baby teeth. The bad bites to watch for are open bites, crossbites, severe overjets, underbites, and small jaws. 2011 James E. Eckhart, D.D.S., Inc. 1101 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 202, Manhattan Beach, Ca.90266 (310) 546-4724 21210 Anza Ave., Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 540-5911 www.eckhartorthodontics.com
