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In my opinion, 98% of young kids (ages 6-10) are getting braces TOO SOON
Treatment is started to take care of spacing, crowding or overbite problems. This is usually called "phase 1" or "interceptive treatment" or "early treatment".
The perception is that IF treatment is STARTED EARLY, full braces may NOT be needed later or treatment later (called "the 2nd phase") would be "less complicated", less extractions, if any, would be needed, or may not take as long. That "something" should be done now since the child is growing. In reality, this is NOT THE CASE. 99.99% of the kids WILL need full braces to straighten all of the teeth, treatment time may take just as long and they may still need extractions!!!
The ultimate question is NOT if treatment is needed but WHEN????
This is when 99-100% of adult teeth have erupted for boys and girls. The usual age is between 11-14 years of age for BOTH boys and girls (Right around puberty). You see, I have 1000's of kids on recall where they come back every 6-8 or 10-12 month interval UNTIL THEY ARE READY. I don't mind observing someone for 3, 4, 5 years BEFORE I say "your're ready now".
Makes sense - right? So remember *** GREAT to get checked out early, but BAD to start too early***
Main things that need early treatment are: crossbite of teeth or jaw, thumb or fingersucking type habits and bringing the upper jaw forward if needed.
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