A parent asked today, “What is the best age for my child to see the orthodontist?”

A good time for an orthodontic exam is between 6 to 8 years old. The main reason for the exam is to evaluate the child for growth problems of the jaw, eruption of the teeth and other problems with development of the mouth. When we are proactive with orthodontic treatment we can provide space for newly erupting teeth or make the jaws align better. This early treatment usually provides for an easier treatment plan at a later date.

If nothing needs to be done at that age, the patient is placed on yearly recall. The youngest child I have treatmented, so far, is 3 years old. The oldest patient I have treated is 81 years old. So you see, orthodontic treatment is not just for teenagers.