The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic check-up for all children by age seven. Bite problems may be present at a young age, which if left unattended, may be difficult to correct at a later age or even cause damage to the permanent teeth. A significant bite problem can hinder proper cleaning and cause functional problems as your child grows, including gum disease, cavities and speech disorders. The goal of early treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Early detection and treatment can prevent your child from needing costly and time-consuming dental care in the future. Dr. Mike and Dr. Ashley always consider conservative treatment options first. Early intervention, also known as a Phase 1 Treatment, can reduce treatment time for your child's braces later on and provide a stable, healthy bite for a lifetime.