At age seven, your kid might be more focused on learning to ride a bike without training wheels or deciding what they want for lunch every day (spoiler: it is probably still mac and cheese). Orthodontics probably is not on your radar yet, and honestly, we get it. If your child’s smile looks fine and they are not complaining, why even think about braces?
But, age seven is actually the ideal time for your child’s first orthodontic evaluation. No, that does not mean they are getting braces tomorrow. It just means we take a look under the hood, kind of like a dental check-in for their jaw, bite and future smile.
Why age seven?
This age is a turning point in dental development. By now, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, and that combination tells us a lot. Think of it as a preview of coming attractions. We can often spot issues before they become full-blown problems and that is a game-changer.
We look at things like:
- How the jaw is developing
- How the top and bottom teeth fit together
- Whether there is overcrowding or spacing issues
- If there is an underbite, overbite, crossbite or open bite in progress
At this stage, we are less focused on straightening teeth and more interested in guiding growth. If the jaws are not developing in sync, or if teeth are starting to crowd each other out, we can intervene in small but effective ways. It is like catching a crooked tree while it is still young—you can gently guide it before it becomes too tough to bend.
What we are really trying to do
Our goal is not to throw braces on every seven-year-old. Far from it. In many cases, we just check, say “all looks good,” and then keep an eye on things every year or so.
But for some kids, early orthodontic treatment, also called interceptive treatment, can make a huge difference. It can reduce the need for extractions later, avoid lengthy treatment down the line, and even help correct speech issues or breathing difficulties that stem from jaw misalignment.
One common example? A narrow upper jaw. It might not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to crowded teeth, bite issues and even impact how a child breathes (resulting in mouth breathing). Catching that early and using something as simple as a palatal expander can open up space, guide the jaw’s growth, and help permanent teeth come in where they are supposed to.
“But their teeth look straight!”
This is something we hear a lot. And yes, from the outside, your child’s smile may look just fine. But orthodontics and pediatric dentists are trained to spot things going on behind the scenes, such as issues with how the bite fits together or how the jaw is growing.
It is like looking at a house with fresh paint. Everything might seem fine, but underneath the walls, maybe there is a plumbing issue. That is what early evaluations help us uncover and also help us stay ahead of the curve.
It is all about timing
There is a magic window during childhood when the jaw bones are still soft and responsive to change. That window starts to close as kids approach their teen years. If your child has a bite problem or crowding and we wait too long to address it, it may take longer to correct or even require surgery in rare cases.
Which is why timing really is everything. A quick 20-minute evaluation now could save you months (or years) of more intensive treatment down the line.
What does the evaluation include?
An early ortho evaluation is not anything fancy or invasive. Your child sits in the chair, we take a peek, maybe snap a few X-rays, and chat with you about what we see. It is quick, painless and most kids walk out smiling (especially if they get a prize from the treasure chest).
You will walk away with peace of mind. Either everything looks great, or we will talk through any concerns and what next steps, if any, might look like. No pressure, no rush, just honest answers.
The benefits go beyond the mouth
Did you know jaw alignment and bite issues can affect things like speech, sleep and even confidence?
A child with a misaligned bite might have trouble pronouncing certain sounds, or they may breathe through their mouth at night, leading to poor sleep. Kids are tough, but they are also very aware. A smile they are not proud of can impact how they feel at school, in photos or around their peers.
So, even though we are talking about teeth and bones, this is about more than just mechanics. It is about helping your child feel comfortable, confident and healthy.
Wrapping it up
To sum it all up:
- Age seven is the perfect time for your child’s first orthodontic evaluation.
- It helps catch jaw and bite issues before they grow into bigger problems.
- Early evaluations do not mean early braces. It just means we are staying ahead.
- The visit is quick, low-pressure and incredibly valuable.
Whether your child needs treatment now, later or not at all, we will guide you every step of the way. That is what we are here for.
So if your child is seven or older and has not had an ortho evaluation yet, let us get it on the books. It might just be one of the easiest steps you take to protect their future smile.