"Dr. Behjou, when should my child visit an orthodontist?"

It's a good idea to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist when your child's permanent teeth appear, sometime between the ages of five and seven.

At Lower Azusa Dental Group, an early appointment is advised to spot any potential problems that require treatment. Timing is critical since delaying treatment can multiply some dental problems. We will be able to tell you how your child's mouth is developing and whether any problems exist.

At early ages, children's jaws are still growing; at about age 12, the mouth and jawbones begin to harden. At Lower Azusa Dental Group we feel some children only require a retainer, which may eliminate the need for braces at a later age.