When Should I Take My Child to the Orthodontist?
As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your child’s health — and that includes their smile. But knowing when to take your child to the orthodontist isn’t always obvious. Many parents assume braces come into the picture once all the adult teeth are in, but that’s not always the case.
The truth is: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
That doesn’t mean they’ll get braces right away — most won’t. But that early check can make a big difference in how their smile develops.
Why Age 7?
Around age 7, kids have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. This “in-between” stage gives orthodontists a clear view of how your child’s smile is shaping up. At this age, we can see:
How the jaws are growing
How the bite is coming together
Whether there’s crowding or spacing
If adult teeth are erupting in the right places
Early signs of crossbites, underbites, or overbites
Catching these issues early doesn’t always mean starting treatment — often, it just means keeping an eye on things. But if something does need attention, early steps can prevent bigger problems later.
What Happens During That First Visit?
The first visit is simple and comfortable. At Shine Ortho Studio, we:
Take a gentle look at your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw growth
Take digital scans or X-rays only if needed
Discuss what we see and whether any treatment would be helpful
Most of the time, we recommend a “monitoring” phase, checking in once or twice a year to make sure everything develops properly.
When Early Treatment Is Helpful
Sometimes, starting treatment early — called Phase 1 treatment — can guide your child’s smile in the right direction and reduce the need for more complex treatment later. Early treatment can help when:
The upper or lower jaw is growing too fast or too slow
The front teeth stick out too far
A crossbite is causing uneven jaw growth
There’s severe crowding or blocked-out adult teeth
Thumb-sucking or tongue habits are affecting the bite
These are things that are easier to fix now than later in teen years.
Does Early Treatment Mean Braces Right Away?
Not usually. Early treatment might include:
Expanders
Space maintainers
Small partial braces
Habit-correction appliances
Guidance of jaw growth
Full braces or Invisalign typically come later, once most adult teeth are in. The goal of early care is to make later treatment simpler, shorter, and more effective.
Related Article: Why Baby Teeth Matter for Future Braces
What If My Child Is Older Than 7?
No worries — it’s never “too late” for an orthodontic evaluation. Many kids come in for the first time at ages 8, 9, or even into their teens. The important thing is making sure their smile and bite are developing in a healthy way.
A Healthy Smile Starts with Early Awareness
Taking your child to the orthodontist around age 7 gives you peace of mind and helps us catch potential issues before they become bigger concerns. At Shine Ortho Studio, we make the process comfortable, fun, and stress-free for both kids and parents.
If you’re unsure whether it’s time for your child’s first orthodontic visit, we’d be happy to take a look and give you clear, honest guidance.
Schedule a free consultation today — your child’s future smile will thank you.