For many young patients whose permanent teeth are coming in (erupting) crooked, it is possible to "borrow" space temporarily by removing baby teeth a little early. This allows us to help "guide" the permanent teeth into a more normal position as they grow. Treatment to straighten teeth is more difficult when permanent teeth are left to either crowd their way into crooked positions or are not allowed enough space to erupt at all. And after treatment these crooked teeth are more likely to return, or relapse, to the pre-treatment crowded position. But scientific research has shown that selectively removing baby teeth at the appropriate time, a procedure called "serial eruption guidance," reduces this relapse by about one-third and results in a more stable longterm outcome. Since the correct timing of baby tooth removal requires several timed visits, we must see our young patients on a periodic basis-hence, our Guidance Program.