The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. Not all patients are candiddates for early treatment. For most young patients, it is an opportunity for periodic evaluation during their growth and development and this allows for the appropriate treatment to be planned for the appropriate time.

Some young patients may benefit from early intervention to improve erution patterns - preserving or gaining space foe erupting permanent teeth

Early treatment can also help correct harmful oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking.

For some patients, early intervention can have more than physical benefits. There are psycho-social concerns, in cases where the patients maybe experiencing teasing. This can have a long lasting effect on a child's self esteem