According to the Canadian Dental Association, it is recommended that infants should have their first dental assessment by a dentist within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age 1. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem with his or her teeth. In most cases, a dental exam every six months will let your child’s dentist catch small problems early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get their first check-up with an orthodontist either at the first recognition of an orthodontic problem or at age 7.

Many children will not require treatment at this age and stage of development. However, for those that do, starting early will ensure that the window of opportunity for treatment is not lost. Treatment around this age is often referred to as Phase I treatment.

Some common issues that can benefit from early treatment may include: Large overbites (protrusion), underbites, prolonged oral habits such as thumb sucking or other finger sucking habits, crowding, crossbites, open bites and deep bites.