Why Early Orthodontic Checkups Matter: What Parents Should Know by Age 7

As a parent, you want to set your child up for a healthy, confident smile. An early orthodontic checkup is a simple step that can make a big difference later on. Age 7 is a great time for a first visit because your child usually has a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. This lets us see how their smile and bite are developing and decide if anything needs early attention.

Why check by age 7

• We can spot crowding, spacing, or bite issues while the jaw is still growing.
• Small problems are easier to guide at this age and may prevent bigger issues later.
• If no treatment is needed, we set a plan to monitor growth at the right pace.

Signs parents can watch for at home

• Early or late loss of baby teeth.
• Crowded, overlapping, or spaced teeth.
• Difficulty chewing or biting into foods.
• Thumb or finger habits that continue past preschool years.
• Mouth breathing or teeth that stick out.
• The top and bottom teeth do not line up.

For a deeper checklist, read our post: When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist.

What happens at the first visit

• We review your child’s dental and health history.
• Photos and digital X-rays may be taken if needed.
• A gentle exam checks how the teeth fit and how the jaws are growing.
• We explain what we see in clear, simple language and answer every question.
• You leave with a plan. That may be early treatment, or it may be watchful waiting with check-ins.

When early treatment helps

Early treatment, often called Phase 1, is not for every child. When it is used, the goal is to guide growth and create room for incoming teeth. It can also improve the bite and support healthy habits.

Common Phase 1 tools include:

• Expanders to widen the upper jaw and make space.
• Limited braces to align key teeth.
• Habit appliances for thumb or finger sucking.

Phase 1 care is usually short. Most plans last 6 to 12 months and focus on specific goals. Later, when more adult teeth arrive, we check again to see if full treatment is needed.

If early treatment is not needed

Many kids do not need any treatment right away. In those cases, we simply monitor growth. This lets us start treatment at the right time and may shorten the total time in braces later.

How parents can help

• Keep regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Encourage daily brushing and flossing.
• Watch for changes in bite, speech, or chewing.
• Ask questions. We are here to make every step easy to understand.

An early orthodontic visit gives you answers and a plan. Age 7 is a smart time to check in, catch small problems early, and set your child up for a healthy, confident smile. Whether your child needs early care or just monitoring, you will leave knowing exactly what to expect.

Ready to schedule your child’s first orthodontic checkup in Tarzana? Book a free appointment today!