For Children

It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age seven to advise if orthodontic treatment is required. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. At this time, Dr. Lorino can determine whether early treatment is necessary.

Early treatment can regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.

If it is determined that early treatment is not necessary,

permanent tooth eruption will be monitored until the child is ready for later treatment.