Early Treatment

While orthodontic treatment most often begins between the ages of 9 and 14, some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re treated early. If it appears that treatment will be needed, Dr. Griffies can advise you as to the
ideal time to begin. This will give us the best chance to:

  • Guide jaw growth
  • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
  • Correct harmful oral habits
  • Improve appearance and self-esteem
  • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
  • Improve the way lips meet.

Problems to watch for in growing children

Anterior crossbite
Anterior Crossbite

Top teeth are behind bottom teeth.

Posterior crossbite
Posterior Crossbite

Top teeth are inside of bottom teeth.

Crowding
Crowding

Lack of space causes crowding as teeth erupt.

Open bite
Open Bite

Front teeth do not meet when back teeth are closed.

Protrusion
Protrusion

Upper teeth stick out beyond the lower teeth.

Ectopic Eruption
Ectopic Eruption

Ectopically erupting maxillary molar

Underbite or complete class iii
Underbite

Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth when back teeth are closed.

Diastema - spacing between teeth
Diastema

Gaps between teeth

Oral habits
Oral Habits

Sucking on thumbs or fingers

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Images and captions, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists.