The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that an initial screening by an orthodontist should take place between the ages of 7 and 8.  The goal of this screening is to evaluate the developing occlusion/bite of the patient and review the teeth present and the permanent teeth not yet present.  In order to provide this information, the orthodontist will likely take a panoramic X-ray.  This X-ray allows the doctor and patient to see all of the teeth, both erupted and non-erupted.  The orthodontist will also be able to review the level of crowding a patient is likely to develop.

Very few patients actually need active orthodontic care at this time, but the orthodontist will outline potential problems that will need to be addressed at a later time.

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