As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health, and that includes their smile. While braces may seem far in the future, an early orthodontic evaluation can help prevent bigger problems down the road.
Many families are surprised to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. But why so early?
Here, Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, and our team at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, share what you need to know about the benefits of an early appointment in setting the stage for a healthy, confident smile.
Around age seven is the ideal time to schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation. Most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth at this age, so it’s a phase when orthodontists can clearly spot issues with bite alignment, jaw growth, and how their teeth are coming in.
Not every child will need orthodontic treatment right away. In fact, many won’t need orthodontic intervention until well after all their permanent teeth come in, if at all. However, an early visit gives us a comprehensive look at your child’s mouth development, so you can plan ahead if intervention is needed later.
Some orthodontic issues are easier to notice than others, so keep an eye out for signs like:
Even if your child doesn’t show obvious oral health problems, it’s still a good idea to schedule their first appointment around age seven.
Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early braces. And even if your child doesn’t need orthodontic treatment until later, seeing an orthodontist early is the best way to identify potential problems, so they can be treated before they become more complex.
Dr. Touni and our team provide guidance for jaw growth and bite alignment during crucial developmental years and monitor tooth eruption patterns to make sure permanent teeth have enough room.
Plus, going to the orthodontist early can give you valuable peace of mind because it helps you know whether your child’s oral development is on track. In some cases, early intervention can make future treatment simpler, shorter, and more effective.
Our goal is to make your child’s first orthodontic visit simple and stress-free. We take a close look at your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw alignment.
We may use X-rays, photographs, or digital scans to get a complete picture. From there, we let you know if your child needs treatment soon or if we simply need to monitor their growth and development over time.
Orthodontic care is about more than straight teeth; it’s about creating a healthy foundation for chewing, speaking, and long-term oral health.
By bringing your child in for their first orthodontic appointment around age seven, you’re giving them the best chance at a confident, functional smile that lasts a lifetime. Call our office or book an appointment online today to get started.
