Why Age 7 Still Matters in the New Year
As the new year begins, many parents start thinking about health goals for their children. One area that often gets overlooked is orthodontic care. While braces may not be on your radar yet, there is one important milestone that still matters every year: age 7.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This guidance is not about starting braces early. It is about making sure your child’s smile and jaw are developing in a healthy way.
What Makes Age 7 So Important
Around age 7, children typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This stage allows orthodontists to see how the teeth are coming in and how the jaws are growing. At this point, potential issues can be identified before they become more complex.
An orthodontic evaluation at age 7 can reveal:
Crowding or lack of space for adult teeth
Bite problems such as crossbites, overbites, or underbites
Jaw growth issues
Teeth that are erupting in the wrong position
Oral habits that may affect development
Many of these concerns are easier to guide or monitor when they are caught early.
Early Evaluation Does Not Mean Early Braces
One of the biggest misconceptions parents have is that an orthodontic visit at age 7 means their child will need braces right away. In reality, most children do not begin treatment at this age. Instead, the orthodontist may simply monitor growth and development over time.
In some cases, early treatment may be recommended to guide jaw growth, create space, or correct a developing bite issue. This is known as Phase 1 treatment and is designed to make future orthodontic care simpler and more effective.
How Early Care Can Help Long Term
When orthodontic concerns are identified early, it often leads to better outcomes later. Early evaluation can help reduce the need for tooth extractions, shorten treatment time in the teen years, and improve overall bite health.
It also gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child’s smile is developing as it should.
Why the New Year Is a Great Time to Schedule an Evaluation
The start of a new year is a natural time to check in on health priorities. Scheduling an orthodontic evaluation now allows you to plan ahead and avoid surprises down the road. Even if no treatment is needed right away, having a baseline understanding of your child’s orthodontic health is valuable.
Starting the year with clarity and a plan can make orthodontic care feel simple and stress free.
A Healthy Smile Starts with Awareness
Age 7 is not about rushing into treatment. It is about awareness, prevention, and setting the foundation for a healthy smile. At Shine Ortho Studio, we take a thoughtful approach to early evaluations and work closely with parents to explain what we see and what it means for the future.
If your child is around age 7 or older and has not yet had an orthodontic evaluation, the new year is the perfect time to schedule one and start the journey with confidence.