Oftentimes, malocclusions are hereditary in nature, and little intervention is advised until the child has the full set of permanent teeth. However, they may also be acquired; environmental factors such as decay of primary teeth (and their consequent premature loss), thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use may also contribute to the development of dental issues such as spacing or crowding. Undesirable habits should ideally be discontinued to allow minimal disruption to growth and development of the jaw bones and teeth, while regular dental visits will go a long way in preventing premature loss of primary teeth and consequent crowding of the adult teeth.

1) First consultation- during this visit, clinical examination is performed and diagnostic records are obtained (impressions of the teeth, photographs and radiographs) 

2) Second consultation- discussion of risks and benefits of the various treatment options and confirmation of treatment plan.

This depends on the type of orthodontic problem. 

If the problem is related to the aberrant growth (or lack of growth) of either the upper or lower jaw, treatment should ideally be started while the child is still growing. Treatment can be instituted between the ages of 8 and 12, but this can vary on an individual basis. Appliances used may differ from case to case, but generally they are either worn in the mouth or are combined with components that may be out of the mouth. 

For dental issues, there are occasions for which early intervention is possible. One example would be for an anterior cross-bite with displacement of the jaws. 

Another problem that would benefit from early management would be if there are teeth that are impacted. Treatment varies depending on how the case present, but generally, teeth that are stuck have better odds of being ‘tracked’ out when patients are younger. This is usually done with braces and may occasionally require a minor surgical procedure. 

Regular dental visits are advisable, so that these issues may be identified early and appropriate management instituted. 

For treatment of milder issues (overlapping of teeth or crowding) that are unrelated to jaw problems, treatment can generally be delayed until all the primary teeth (milk teeth) have changed to permanent ones. 

There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Adults may also benefit from orthodontic treatment.