What Age Should a Child See an Orthodontist?
When Should My Child Have Their First Orthodontic Visit?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, children typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which gives orthodontists a clear picture of how their teeth and jaw are developing.
At Waddoups Orthodontics in Murrieta and Corona, CA, we follow this guideline because age 7 is an ideal time to spot potential problems early. By this age, the first adult molars have usually come in, and we can evaluate how the front and back teeth line up. This early screening does not mean your child will need braces right away. In fact, most children do not need treatment at age 7. However, this visit allows us to identify any issues that could become more serious if left untreated.
Why Is Age 7 the Recommended Time for an Orthodontic Screening?
You might wonder why orthodontists recommend such an early visit. The answer lies in how children’s mouths develop and grow. By age 7, enough permanent teeth have emerged to reveal important clues about your child’s dental health.
Early orthodontic assessments at this age can help with several important goals:
- Guiding emerging teeth into proper positions
- Preserving space for permanent teeth that have not come in yet
- Reducing the risk of injury to front teeth that stick out too far
- Addressing jaw growth concerns before they become more difficult to fix
When we catch orthodontic issues early, they are often easier to correct. Early treatment focuses on guiding the growth of the jaw and the incoming permanent teeth. This proactive approach can fix bite problems, make room for crowded teeth, and potentially help your child avoid needing tooth extractions in the future.
What Happens During a Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
Your child’s first orthodontic visit at Waddoups Orthodontics is designed to be comfortable and stress-free. During this complimentary exam, the orthodontist will:
- Examine your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite
- Take photos or digital images if needed
- Discuss any concerns you have as a parent
- Explain whether treatment is needed now or in the future
- Answer all your questions about orthodontic care
The good news is that not every child needs immediate treatment. If your child does not need braces right away, we can enroll them in our Orthodontic Supervisory Program. This no-cost program allows us to monitor your child’s development every 6 to 8 months. We can track the growth of their teeth and jaw, identify and correct potential issues early, and recommend timely interventions when needed.
Does Early Screening Mean My Child Will Need Braces Immediately?
No, an early screening does not automatically mean your child will need braces at age 7. Most children who visit an orthodontist at this age will not require immediate treatment. The purpose of the early visit is to evaluate and monitor development.
Think of it like a regular check-up with your pediatrician. Just because you take your child for a visit does not mean something is wrong. The same concept applies to orthodontic screenings. We want to make sure everything is developing properly and catch any problems before they become more complicated.
Screening Age | Treatment Timeline | Common Outcome |
Age 7 | Monitoring only | Most children just need observation |
Age 7-10 | Early treatment (if needed) | Guides jaw growth and creates space |
Age 11-13 | Full treatment | Braces or Invisalign when all permanent teeth are in |
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Some children benefit from early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase One Treatment. This type of care happens while your child still has some baby teeth. Early treatment focuses on correcting problems with jaw growth and creating space for permanent teeth.
If early treatment is necessary, the orthodontist can help with several goals:
- Guide jaw growth and tooth eruption
- Regulate the width of the dental arches
- Create space for permanent teeth
- Prevent the need for permanent tooth extractions later
- Reduce the risk of impacted teeth
- Correct thumb-sucking habits and speech issues
Treatment during this stage is designed to be comfortable and simple. Your child can continue their regular activities like sports, music, and school without major disruptions.
What Orthodontic Problems Can Be Detected Early?
During your child’s first orthodontic visit, the orthodontist will look for several common issues that affect how teeth and jaws develop. Some problems are easier to fix when children are still growing.
Orthodontic concerns that can be identified at age 7 include:
- Crowding: When there is not enough space for all the permanent teeth
- Crossbite: When upper teeth fit inside lower teeth
- Overbite: When top front teeth stick out too far over bottom teeth
- Underbite: When lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
- Open bite: When top and bottom teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed
- Spacing issues: Gaps between teeth or teeth that are too close together
- Jaw growth problems: When the upper or lower jaw is too large or too small
Catching these issues early gives us more treatment options. Children’s bones are still growing, which means we can often guide development in a positive direction.
Will Early Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces Later?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. While early treatment can fix significant problems and reduce the need for extensive care later, many children still need a shorter Phase Two treatment. This second phase typically happens during the teen years when all permanent teeth have come in.
Phase Two treatment often involves full braces or Invisalign to refine alignment and perfect the bite. However, because early treatment already addressed major jaw and spacing issues, this later treatment is usually shorter and less complicated.
Think of early treatment as laying a good foundation for a house. The foundation makes building the rest of the house much easier. Without a solid foundation, construction becomes more difficult and time-consuming.
What Treatment Options Are Available at Waddoups Orthodontics?
At Waddoups Orthodontics, we offer a variety of treatment options for children, teens, and adults. Our goal is to find the right solution that fits each patient’s needs and lifestyle.
Treatment options include:
- Traditional Metal Braces: The most common and effective option for correcting many orthodontic issues
- Ceramic Braces: A less visible alternative to metal braces
- Invisalign: Clear aligners that are removable and nearly invisible
- Invisalign First: Designed specifically for younger children who need early treatment
- Invisalign Teen: Made for teenagers with special features like compliance indicators
Each treatment option has its benefits, and the orthodontist will recommend the best choice based on your child’s specific needs.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take for Children?
The length of treatment depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the orthodontic problem. Early treatment (Phase One) typically lasts 9 to 18 months. After a resting period, Phase Two treatment usually takes 12 to 24 months.
Some factors that affect treatment time include:
- How well your child follows instructions
- Wearing rubber bands or other appliances as directed
- Keeping appointments on schedule
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
- The complexity of the orthodontic issues
During your consultation, you will receive a personalized treatment plan with an estimated timeline for your child.
Quick Overview: Key Takeaways
- The recommended age for a first orthodontic visit is 7 years old
- Early screening does not mean your child needs braces immediately
- Most children are monitored without treatment until their teen years
- Early treatment can prevent more serious problems later
- Treatment options include traditional braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign
- Waddoups Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations and flexible payment plans
- Regular dental visits are still important during orthodontic treatment
Ready to Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
Now that you understand when children should see an orthodontist, the next step is simple. Schedule a complimentary consultation at Waddoups Orthodontics in Murrieta or Corona, CA. During this free exam, you will get personalized answers about your child’s dental development and learn about the best treatment options for their unique smile.
Our experienced team makes orthodontic care accessible with flexible payment plans that fit your family’s budget. We combine advanced technology with personalized attention to create beautiful, healthy smiles for children, teens, and adults throughout Riverside County.