Age 7 is the right time for your first orthodontic checkup.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7—and we strongly encourage it!
At age 7, your child has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, giving us an important window to spot developing problems with tooth alignment, jaw growth, and bite before they become more complicated.
Early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean early treatment. In many cases, it simply means we can identify concerns, monitor growth, and intervene at the right time. When treatment is needed, addressing certain problems early can help prevent more difficult treatment later, including extractions and, in some cases, jaw surgery.
Don’t wait until all the permanent teeth are in to find out there’s a problem. An evaluation at age 7 can help us catch it while there’s still time to make a difference.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
For parents, it’s not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment.
Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
