Early Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be examined by an orthodontist by age 7, or as early as age 4 for certain problems. Common problems that Dr. Lupini addresses early include crossbite, open bite, deep bite, oral habits, jaw growth imbalances, protruding front teeth, severe crowding and spacing, and impacted or ectopic teeth.

If Dr. Lupini determines that your child is not ready for treatment he will recommend follow-up visits to evaluate growth and development and then determine the appropriate time to begin treatment. Dr. Lupini prefers to keep first-stage treatment time to 12 to 18 months to promote patient cooperation. For these patients, he may consider a second phase of treatment after the majority of permanent teeth have erupted. Other children can be efficiently treated with comprehensive single-phase treatment. Dr. Lupini typically initiates this treatment when your child is between 10 and 13 years of age.