First Orthodontic Evaluation: The Best Age for Kids to See an Orthodontist

8 min read ·

Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7? This early visit isn't about rushing into braces—instead, it's about giving a specialist the chance to spot developing issues, guide healthy growth, and plan for the future.

For parents, this first visit is a simple and reassuring way to ensure your child’s smile and bite are on the right track—and to understand when and if seeing the best orthodontist for treatment will be necessary.

Why Age 7 Is the Sweet Spot for an Orthodontic Evaluation

By age 7, most children have both baby (primary) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth. This "in-between" stage offers orthodontists a clear window into your child’s dental development, making it possible to evaluate:

Jaw growth—Are the upper and lower jaws developing in harmony?
Bite alignment—How are the teeth meeting when your child bites down?
Emerging adult teeth—Are there any early signs of crowding, spacing, or other concerns?

With both baby and adult teeth present, your orthodontist can look for:

Crowding—Not enough space for incoming permanent teeth
Spacing issues—Too much space or empty gaps
Misalignments—Teeth that are rotated, tipped, or out of position
Bite problems—Crossbite, overbite, underbite, or open bite
Jaw growth discrepancies—Upper or lower jaw growing too much or too little

Many of these problems aren’t obvious to parents or even general dentists—but an orthodontic checkup by age 7 helps ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Early Evaluation Doesn’t Mean Early Braces

Here’s a common misconception: an orthodontic evaluation at age 7 means braces are coming soon. In reality:

Most kids don’t need any orthodontic treatment at age 7.
The majority are simply monitored as they continue to grow.
If treatment is eventually needed, planning ensures it happens at the most effective time—typically in later childhood or early teens.

Think of this first visit as information-gathering, not a commitment to immediate care. Your orthodontist is creating a roadmap, not drawing up a contract.

When Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Help

For some children, early treatment—sometimes called "Phase I" orthodontics—can make a world of difference. The timing of intervention matters, and an alert orthodontist can:

Guide jaw growth in a healthier direction
Create space for emerging adult teeth, reducing crowding
Correct bite relationships before they become more problematic
Reduce the complexity or duration of later treatments
In certain cases, prevent the need for more invasive procedures down the road

Examples of issues that may benefit from early treatment include:

Crossbite (upper teeth fitting inside the lower teeth)
Severe crowding in smaller jaws
Teeth that protrude and are at risk for injury
Early loss of baby teeth that could disrupt adult tooth eruption
Significant differences between upper and lower jaw growth

Addressing these problems at the right moment can set the stage for balanced facial and dental development (not to mention a more confident smile).

Embracing the “Watchful Waiting” Approach

No treatment at age 7? No problem. Early visits are still worthwhile. The AAO supports a “watchful waiting” approach where:

The orthodontist thoroughly checks your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw growth
If everything is on track, periodic check-ups—usually every 6–12 months—are recommended
If anything starts to go off course, it can be caught and managed promptly

This careful monitoring means:

Treatment only starts when it’s truly needed
Care is timed for maximum effectiveness
Plans are fully customized to your child’s unique needs and growth patterns

For parents, this approach brings clarity and peace of mind—you’ll know exactly when (and if) action is needed, and when it’s okay just to keep observing.

Peace of Mind for Parents

Scheduling that first orthodontic evaluation at age 7 offers more than just clinical benefits:

Reassurance—A specialist checks your child’s jaw and bite development
Clarity—You learn if early treatment, future care, or simply monitoring is appropriate
Education—You get advice on what to watch for as permanent teeth arrive
Support—It’s a chance to ask questions about treatment options, costs, and timing

Having an expert’s perspective helps parents feel confident about what’s best—and when the best time to act actually is.

Trusted Resources for Parents

Curious to learn more? The full set of recommendations and helpful resources are available from the American Association of Orthodontists on their official website. You’ll find:

Clear explanations of AAO guidelines and why age 7 is recommended
Details about what to expect during your child’s first orthodontic visit
Ways early monitoring supports lifelong dental health

When you’re looking for the best orthodontist for your child, professional organizations like the AAO are a reliable and trustworthy place to start.

A Simple, Comfortable First Step Toward a Healthy Smile

So, what can you expect from an orthodontic screening at age 7?

Quick and easy—usually just a visual exam, with X-rays or photos if needed
Non-invasive—most kids handle it with confidence and comfort
Incredibly informative—you’ll walk away with a clear sense of your child’s dental future

Taking this step early is one of the best ways to set up a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.

What Parents Should Do Next

If your child is around age 7—or even a bit older and hasn’t been checked—it’s the perfect time to take action:

Schedule a first orthodontic evaluation with a qualified specialist in your area
Bring along any recent dental X-rays from your child’s dentist, if possible
Prepare your child by explaining that the visit is a simple “smile check” and almost never hurts

Partnering with an orthodontist early allows you to make informed choices about treatment timing—ensuring your child’s smile has the healthiest, happiest start possible.

Ready to schedule your child’s first orthodontic checkup? Reach out to your local orthodontic specialist—and take the first step towards a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!