Can I do anything to prevent my child’s jaw problem from getting worse or to shorten the time my child may have to wear braces in the future?

Yes. If your child receives early orthodontic treatment before all permanent teeth erupt, many jaw problems may be corrected. If your child becomes a candidate for braces, the duration of treatment may be minimized. Examples of early orthodontic treatments include the use of removable appliances to control harmful habits and palatal expansion appliances, which can correct most crossbite problems and make more room for permanent teeth to erupt in their proper positions.