For Children

The best time for a child to visit an orthodontist isn’t set in stone, but the American Association of Orthodontists suggests the first check-up at age seven. This is when children typically have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which helps orthodontists spot and address alignment issues early, potentially avoiding surgery.

Early orthodontic intervention can straighten the jaw’s growth, make room for crowded teeth, prevent the need for future tooth extractions, and address harmful habits like thumb-sucking that may affect a child’s speech development. It’s not always clear when a child needs this kind of care, but there are signs parents can look for:

• Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty with chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Continued thumb-sucking
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
• Jaw noises or discomfort
• Abnormal alignment of teeth
• Disproportionate jaw to facial structure
• Crowded front teeth by age seven or eight

If you observe any of these issues, it’s wise to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Starting treatment early can secure a healthy, beautiful smile for your child’s future.