Indications for Early Orthodontic Treatment

Indications for early orthodontic Treatment (as early as 8 years of age)

One of the most important advances in orthodontic treatment in the last few decades is the increasing number of early orthodontic cases. If we’re able to intervene before teeth erupt, we can often shift teeth more easily, avoid the need for more invasive treatment, and improve oral health. Some of the most obvious indicators of a need for early orthodontic intervention include:

• Upper teeth that jut out too far beyond lower teeth
• Lower teeth that jut out too far beyond upper teeth
• Thumb or finger sucking, lip biting, and tongue thrusting beyond the age of five
• Mouth breathing
• Teeth that are lost or avulsed too soon
• One or more impacted teeth
• Speech impairment