- Overview
- Benefits of early orthodontic evaluation
- Why is age 7 considered the optimal time?
- Craig and Streight Orthodontics Reviews
- What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
- Is your child a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
- Why should malocclusions be treated?
- Get In Touch
- Related Posts
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment that may be suitable for your young child. Beginning treatment at an early age ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation occurs at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7.
Most of the time, a child at this age can still have baby teeth present. While orthodontic treatment may not be necessary at this early age, vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
Benefits of early orthodontic evaluation
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development as the child grows, helping to prevent serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, our orthodontists can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances of an incredible smile.
Craig and Streight Orthodontics Reviews
Great staff and great service!!
We absolutely love Craig & Streight! My daughter has been a patient there since December 2025, and is on her way to her most beautiful smile! Everyone in the office is so kind and helpful. We’ve been so impressed with the service, the care & the staff. I’ve recently decided to get Invisalign through them and I am so excited to finally create my dream smile!
Best in town!!!!!
Great experience! My oldest was referred by our dentist to another orthodontist and our experience wasn’t great. We were then referred to Craig and Streight and they were amazing! They had no idea of my experience before because i wanted to make sure it was genuine. They really did an amazing job communicating and explaining what treatment plan was necessary for my child. Dr. Craig was so nice! As well as the dental assistant and coordinator. Highly recommend !
Very professional and kind staff.
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What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Is your child a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not merely for improving the smile’s aesthetics; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions) that can cause several problems later in life if left untreated. Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth, or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems:
- Crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss properly, contributing to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
- Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping.
- Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
- Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.
