Orthodontic treatment can be appropriate for children as well as adults.

New treatment techniques are now available for younger patients, (generally 5 to 12 years old) that focus on dental and facial orthopedics.  Utilizing these new techniques at these young ages, the orthodontist is able to take advantage of the patient's growth, and eliminate asymmetries and irregularities in the facial bones, thus creating a more harmonious relationship between the jaws and face. 

In addition, the space created by these orthopedic appliances allows the permanent teeth to erupt into better positions.  This early treatment may reduce the severity of the developing malocclusion, potentially eliminating the need for extraction of permanent teeth and shortening the time needed with braces later.