When should a child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child be screened for an orthodontic problem by age 7. Often that screening is done by a general or pediatric dentist, who may then refer the child for a closer look. A referral is not required to be seen here.

Age 7 is not a rule that every child starts braces. It is a checkpoint. By then the first permanent molars and incisors are usually in, so we can see how the bite is developing, whether there is room for incoming teeth, and whether a habit or a functional problem is getting in the way.

Some things are worth treating in an early, interceptive, or Phase I approach:

1. Social concerns. Teeth that are very prominent, crowded, or affecting a child’s confidence can be a good reason to start sooner rather than later.
2. Early loss of primary teeth. If a baby tooth is lost or extracted long before the permanent tooth is ready, a space maintainer (often a lower lingual holding arch) can hold the parking place for the next tooth.
3. Functional concerns. Crossbite, finger or tongue habits, airway concerns, and very large overbites, overjets, or underbites. A single upper tooth sitting behind the lower teeth can also wear enamel and stress the gumline if it is left alone.

In many of those cases a second phase is still needed once the permanent teeth are in. The first phase is about intercepting a problem so the second phase is simpler, shorter, or more stable — not about skipping comprehensive treatment forever.

If you are not sure whether your child is ready, the first visit is complimentary. We will look at growth and bite, talk through timing, and only recommend early treatment when it actually helps. See New Patients for forms and what to expect, or Services for examples of expanders, space maintainers, and crossbite correction.

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