Treatment Timing

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. Although full orthodontic treatment isn't usually indicated until the ages 10-12, Phase I interceptive treatment sometimes is recommended at an earlier age to significantly lessen the extent of treatment in the future. Appropriately monitoring growth and development starting at age 7 can reduce the extent of treatment as well as improve the overall end result when coordinated appropriately with treatment timing.