The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7 to determine if orthodontic treatment is required and to plan when treatment should begin. Because the first permanent molars and the permanent incisors have usually erupted by age 7, Drs Wenger and Orabi can screen patients at this age for crossbites, open bites, under bites, crowding, and other dental development issues that are more difficult to treat in the adolescent years. When treatment is begun early for these conditions, the orthodontists at Wenger Orthodontics can guide the growth of the jaw as well as the incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. Drs. Wenger and Orabi have found that approximately 20% of seven-year old children can benefit from early treatment that simplifies later treatment and produces a better final occlusion.