Contes Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic exam at age 7, when their first adult teeth begin to appear. By this time, most children will have their first permanent molars and incisors. Crossbites, crowding, and other problems that can be evaluated begin to show themselves at this time. Early treatment allows Dr. Contes to guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, create more space for crowded teeth, eliminate thumb–sucking habits and abnormal swallowing or speech problems. Treatment may involve expanders, retainers, braces or other appliances designed to create room for erupting teeth, prevent tooth extraction, correct an overbite, cross bite or other tooth or jaw alignment problems.