The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Egger recommend that a child’s first visit to the orthodontist occur by age seven. With early treatment we are able to positively influence the growth of the jaw, reducing or even eliminating the need for jaw surgery. In addition, early treatment can also preserve or increase space for erupting teeth, potentially eliminating the need to extract permanent teeth. Perhaps most importantly, we can reduce self-consciousness during critical developmental years while improving the smile and self-confidence. Other benefits of early treatment include the ability to:
- Improve the width of the dental arches
- Decrease the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Simplify and shorten treatment time for full braces
- Increase the stability of final treatment results
- Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Improve speech development
- Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Improve lip closure
- Reduce potential for damage to jaw joints
- Take advantage of cooperation before the teenage years
Dr. Egger and her staff have worked extensively with younger patients. We truly enjoy working with children and make an extra effort to cater to their unique needs. Our waiting room has a separate area for children painted with wall murals and featuring children’s books, and three multi-user interactive play stations.
