The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an examination by an orthodontist at age 7. Why? Because even though many 7 year olds have only a few permanent teeth, many orthodontic problems can be identified at this age. Some problems can be prevented with early treatment, while others can not.

Orthodontic treatment often involves correcting jaw size imbalances, such as narrow upper jaws or short lower jaws. This correction needs to be completed while the person is actively growing. This makes timing of some orthodontic treatments critical, especially for girls, who have often completed most of their growth by age 12.

At Chelsea Orthodontics, we will not recommend starting orthodontic treatment until the most beneficial time. If your child has an orthodontic problem, but it will be more effective to start treatment later, we’ll invite you to return for another visit in six months or a year.

There is no charge for your initial exam appointment, or for your return (recall) examinations.

Examples of effective treatment of orthodontic problems in young children:

• Crossbite correction


• Extraction of primary (baby) teeth to provide space for permanent teeth


• Arch expansion to provide space for permanent teeth


• Space maintainers