There’s no single right age to start orthodontic treatment, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child in for a first visit around age seven. By that age, most kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which gives us a clear picture of how their bite and jaw are developing.
Early evaluation lets us catch potential problems before they become more complicated to treat. In many cases, we’ll simply monitor your child over time and begin treatment when the timing is right. But when early action can help, it’s worth knowing sooner rather than later.
What Early Treatment Can Accomplish
- Guide jaw growth so permanent teeth come in straight
- Widen the upper or lower arch to create room for crowded teeth
- Reduce the chance of needing tooth extractions later
- Address thumb sucking habits and minor speech concerns
Signs Your Child Might Need an Evaluation
- Losing baby teeth very early or very late
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking past age five
- Teeth that appear crowded, misplaced, or blocked
- Jaws that shift, pop, or seem out of proportion to the face
If any of these sound familiar, it’s a good time to come in. An early visit is low-pressure and gives you and your child a chance to meet us and ask questions in a relaxed setting.