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For Children
Most orthodontic patients are children, and for good reason - with the advantage of growth, many orthodontic and facial growth goals can be met on a non-surgical basis. We recommend having Dr. Fleming see children by at least age seven to advise if orthodontic treatment is required, and to suggest the best time for treatment. The permanent first molars and permanent incisors have usually erupted by that time. And If these teeth haven't erupted by this age, there may be a developmental and/or orthodontic situation preventing eruption, and treatment may be required. Crossbite relationships, dental crowding, and other problems can usually be evaluated fairly well by age seven. In cases of noticeable "under-bite" relationships, we recommend seeing patients by age five! In these cases, it is best to start treatment very young. When treatment is begun at such early ages, Dr. Fleming can much better guide the growth of the jaws and provide space for eruption of the upcoming permanent teeth. Such early treatment options can also be used to help regulate the widths of the upper and lower dental arches, and even gain space for permanent teeth. Often, these forms of treatment may allow avoidance of extraction of permanent teeth, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking habits, and even eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. Early treatment can improve overall treatment outcomes, allow treatment to be completed more conservatively, and greatly simplify later treatment options.
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