From 6-10 years of age, children are getting their first permanent teeth. At this stage, the teeth can become crowded and the jaws misaligned. Habits such as mouth breathing, incorrect lip and tongue function (known as poor myofunctional habits) are the major causes of poor jaw development and tooth alignment. Research shows that these problems continue through to the permanent dentition, requiring complex orthodontic treatment.

Braces and extractions do not resolve these problems and are best treated as soon as they are evident. These habits are easier to correct in the growing years. Once the causes are corrected, natural growth and dental alignment can take place