Though Dr. George can enhance a smile at any age; there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Some types of malocclusions are best treated by waiting until all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and this may occur as early as 10 years old or as late as 14 or 15. However, many types of malocclusions are more ideally treated by starting at an earlier age while baby teeth are still present, usually around 8 to 10 years old. Appropriate early intervention can guide growth and development to simplify, and sometimes even eliminate, the need for more complicated treatment at an older age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation no later than age 7 to see if treatment is needed and to determine the best time to begin.

By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the bite of the back teeth. During this time, Dr. George can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. In addition, the presence of newly erupting front teeth can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for the best result, and in some cases Dr. George will be able to achieve results that would not be possible once the jaws have finished growing.

Some of the benefits of early treatment are:

• Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Preserving space for unerupted teeth
• Reducing the need for tooth removal
• Reducing treatment time with braces