The Indian Orthodontic Society as well as the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child should get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7.

Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while milk teeth are present. That’s important, because many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age. Even if a problem is detected, sometimes immediate treatment may not be required and a wait-and-watch approach is taken.

When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also 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.