The most important stage in a person's dental development falls between the ages of five and twelve. During these years, the primary teeth are lost and replaced by adult teeth. By evaluating the teeth at an early age, the orthodontist can reasonably predict whether or not there will be enough room for adult teeth.
It is very important for the patient to be seen by the orthodontist on a regular basis in order to monitor dental development. In certain cases, early development of the dental arches is required in order to make room for the teeth that will be erupting. Arch development is used to prevent the unerupted teeth from being blocked out, which results in the adult teeth either coming into the mouth in a poor position with inadequate gum or from coming in altogether.
During these developmental years the eruption of the adult teeth can be aided by the selective removal of the primary teeth. This is called serial extraction. The orthodontist can determine if this procedure is needed and make the appropriate recommendation to your dentist. Preliminary diagnostic records may be needed.
Serial extraction will not eliminate the need for eventual orthodontic treatment, but can often prevent a serious problem from getting worse and can help the teeth and jaws to develop in a more harmonious relationship.
