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It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is
required and it is the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and
incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can
be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the
jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of
the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for
permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking,
and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
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