When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist? Signs They May Be Ready
As a parent, you want the very best for your child—including a healthy, confident smile. But many parents wonder: when is the right time to bring my child to the orthodontist? The truth is, every child’s smile develops at its own pace, but there are some signs and guidelines that can help you decide.
The Recommended Age for a First Visit
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. By this age, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which allows the orthodontist to see how their smile and bite are developing.
This doesn’t mean treatment will start right away. In fact, many children don’t need braces until later in their teen years. But having an early checkup gives us the chance to catch small issues before they become bigger ones.
Signs Your Child May Be Ready for an Orthodontic Visit
Even if your child is younger than 7, certain habits or changes in their smile can be signals to schedule a visit. Keep an eye out for:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth (their teeth don’t seem to follow the usual timeline).
- Crowded, overlapping, or misplaced teeth.
- Difficulty chewing or biting food.
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond age 4–5, which can affect jaw growth.
- Mouth breathing or teeth that stick out noticeably.
- An uneven bite where the top and bottom teeth don’t line up properly.
Why Early Evaluations Matter
Even if braces aren’t needed right away, early evaluations allow us to create a plan for the future. Sometimes, a simple early treatment—like a palatal expander—can make braces later on easier and faster. It’s about giving your child the best chance at a healthy, confident smile with less hassle down the road.
What Parents Can Expect
At your child’s first visit, we’ll take a close look at their teeth, jaw, and bite. Using advanced tools like digital X-rays and the iTero scanner, we’ll be able to see exactly how their smile is developing. We’ll explain everything in a way that makes sense for you and your child, and recommend whether treatment should begin soon or be monitored for later.
Every child’s smile is unique, but starting early with an orthodontic checkup can set them up for long-term success. Even if braces or Invisalign aren’t needed right away, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re on the right track.
Ready to schedule your child’s first consultation? Book a free appointment today and let’s start planning their confident, healthy smile.