It is recommended that the orthodontist see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and, if so, to determine the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and cross bites, shifts in the bite, unusual jaw growth patterns, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated at that time.

In specific instances, if treatment is begun early the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper jaw (palate), create space for erupting permanent teeth, lessen the requirement for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, help with the elimination of destructive digit or thumb-sucking habits, and modify abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In most cases early treatment does not eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment later, however it can simplify later treatment and make later treatment less complex and invasive.