Why is treatment so important?
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. A bad bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, and possible jaw joint problems.

Why should all kids get an orthodontic checkup no later than age 7?
At age 7, most children have a mixture of adult and baby teeth. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth as some baby teeth are still present. This is important because some ortho problems are easier to correct if found early. For those reasons, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child get an ortho checkup no later than age 7. While your children's teeth may appear to be straight, there may be a problem that only an orthodontist can correct.