According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early assessment allows orthodontists to identify potential issues and recommend the best course of action—whether immediate treatment is needed or monitoring until the child is older. At Bergen Orthodontics, we specialize in creating personalized care plans for kids to help set them up for a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles. In this blog, we’ll explore why age 7 is the ideal time for a first visit and when your child should see an orthodontist for the first time.
Why Age 7 Is the Magic Number
By the age of 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which allows an orthodontist to identify current or developing alignment issues. Problems like crowding, crossbites, or excessive spacing often become more noticeable at this stage. Early evaluation gives orthodontists a unique opportunity to catch these issues before they become more severe and require complex orthodontic treatment later on. Additionally, age 7 is a great time to evaluate jaw growth and how the upper and lower teeth fit together. While not every child will need immediate treatment, this early visit ensures any concerns are addressed proactively. At Bergen Orthodontics, our experienced team takes a personalized approach to each evaluation, ensuring your child’s dental development stays on the right track.
Signs Your Child Might Need an Orthodontic Evaluation
There are several signs that your child could benefit from seeing an orthodontist earlier rather than later. If your child has difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking with a lisp, these could be indicators of misaligned teeth or jaw issues. Other signs include thumb-sucking after age 5, teeth that don’t come together properly, or early loss of baby teeth. Even if your child’s smile looks fine on the surface, some issues—like impacted teeth or improper jaw growth—can only be detected with an orthodontic evaluation. Regular checkups with your family dentist often reveal signs that it’s time for a referral to an orthodontist. By visiting Bergen Orthodontics, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your child’s oral health is in expert hands.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
Early orthodontic treatment, often called Phase 1 treatment, focuses on addressing significant issues before all permanent teeth come in. This can include correcting jaw growth problems, creating space for incoming teeth, or addressing habits like thumb-sucking that can impact oral development. Early intervention not only prevents more complex issues in the future but can also make treatment during adolescence shorter and less invasive. At Bergen Orthodontics, we use advanced technology like the iTero Scanner to evaluate your child’s smile with precision and develop a customized plan. With early care, your child can avoid potential discomfort, improve their self-esteem, and enjoy a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
What Happens During the First Visit?
A first orthodontic visit is nothing to worry about — it’s an educational and stress-free experience for both kids and parents. During the appointment, your orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite alignment. X-rays or 3D scans may be taken to get a clearer picture of your child’s oral structure. The orthodontist will then explain any current or potential concerns and outline a treatment plan if needed. Even if no immediate treatment is recommended, we may schedule periodic checkups to monitor your child’s growth and development. At Bergen Orthodontics, we strive to make every visit comfortable and fun, ensuring your child feels at ease while learning about their smile.
Choose Bergen Orthodontics for Your Child’s Orthodontic Care
Knowing when your child should see an orthodontist can make all the difference in their dental health and confidence. By scheduling an evaluation at Bergen Orthodontics by age 7, you’re taking the first step toward ensuring a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Our board-certified orthodontists specialize in creating personalized care plans for kids, combining expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional results. Ready to give your child the smile they deserve? Contact Bergen Orthodontics today to schedule their first free consult — we’re here to make them smile like rock stars!
