Children & Adolescents

The best time to initiate treatment in children is usually around age 9 or 10 when the posterior teeth erupt. This is known as the late mixed dentition stage. Even while erupting, the growth direction of teeth can be influenced. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a timely consultation appointment at this stage.

In adolescent patients, it is very important to evaluate and monitor the orientation of both jaws (i.e. the relationship between upper and lower jaw). If necessary, we can take advantage of this high growth period to correct or prevent malocclusions (improper bite) by using an appliance to guide jawbone growth.

Once this period of rapid growth ends, or if the desired end result cannot be obtained, orthodontic treatment may be combined with corrective jaw surgery. We work together with expert specialists in a variety of disciplines to plan and provide you with the best available treatment.

Prevention and early treatment

In rare cases, it may be necessary to start treatment at an early age. Early treatment can prevent or at least limit development of pronounced defects that can arise from habits such as thumb-sucking, incorrect tongue positioning, etc.

Prior to extracting teeth during primary or early mixed dentition stage (e.g. due to lack of space), an orthodontic consultation is strongly recommended, since this greatly influences the positioning of the teeth and their later development.