When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist?

When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist?

Children should first see an orthodontist by age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). By this age, enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Lauren to spot developing bite issues, crowding or jaw growth concerns. Age 7 is a good time for a baseline check, even if braces aren’t needed yet.

So how early is too early to have a child evaluated? At this stage, the first adult molars and incisors have usually erupted. That gives Dr. Lauren a clear picture of how your child’s bite is forming and how the jaw is growing. Many families across Spokane bring their kids in around this age simply to get a professional read on what’s happening.

An early visit is an evaluation, not automatically treatment. Most kids won’t need braces at 7. This early look helps us catch small concerns before they turn into bigger ones. According to the AAO, only some children who are evaluated early actually need treatment right away.

Think of it as a growth checkup for the smile. Our office uses this visit to build a baseline we can watch over time.

How the First Orthodontic Evaluation Works

The first visit is friendly, easy and designed to put your child at ease. Dr. Lauren will look at jaw growth, bite alignment and how the teeth are coming in.

Here’s what usually happens during that first free consultation:

• A gentle exam of the teeth, jaw and bite
• Digital scans or X-rays, if needed, to map developing teeth and bone
• A discussion with you about what Dr. Lauren sees
• A clear recommendation to monitor, treat now, or check back later

Not every child leaves with a plan. Many kids simply need growth-tracking recall visits every 6 to 12 months. These short checkups let us watch how permanent teeth erupt and how the jaw develops.

If something needs attention now, Dr. Lauren will guide you through your smile options in plain language. You’ll learn what the issue is, why timing matters and what treatment could look like.

This first evaluation is free at our office. No referral is needed, and there’s no pressure to start treatment. We want to give your family clear information so you can make the best choice for your child.

What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation?

An early evaluation does more than check for straight teeth. It helps guide healthy growth while the jaw and face are still developing.

Key benefits of an early visit include:

• Guiding jaw growth while bones are still soft and flexible
• Creating room for permanent teeth to come in properly
• Correcting habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting early
• Reducing the risk of needing extractions or surgical orthodontics later
• Simplifying future treatment by shortening or easing braces time down the road

Catching a narrow palate at age 7 is much easier to address than waiting until the teen years. A palatal expander, for example, works best while the upper jaw hasn’t fully fused. Wait too long, and the same correction will require more involved treatment.

Early care also supports better oral health. Straighter, better-spaced teeth are easier to brush and floss, which helps prevent cavities and gum issues as your child grows.

Just as valuable, early visits build confidence. Kids get comfortable with our team, our office and the idea of orthodontic care. That familiarity makes any future treatment feel like a natural next step. Spokane families often tell us these early visits take the mystery out of orthodontics for their children.

Early Treatment vs. Waiting: Phase 1 vs. Phase 2

Some children benefit from starting orthodontic care in two stages. Others do best with a single round of treatment during the teen years. Dr. Lauren will help you understand which path fits your child. Because our office provides orthodontic care for children and teens, we can match the timing to what your child actually needs.

What Is Phase 1 Treatment (Ages 6 to 10)?

Phase 1, sometimes called early treatment or Invisalign First, focuses on jaw growth and bite development. It’s done while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The goal is to correct issues that are easier to fix now than later.

Common Phase 1 goals include:

• Widening a narrow upper jaw with a palatal expander
• Correcting a crossbite or underbite
• Making room for crowded permanent teeth
• Stopping harmful oral habits

What Is Phase 2 Treatment (Adolescence)?

Phase 2 usually starts once most permanent teeth have erupted, typically between ages 11 and 14. This phase aligns the full set of adult teeth and fine-tunes the bite using metal braces, clear braces or clear aligners.

How Do Phase 1 and Phase 2 Compare at a Glance?

Not every child needs Phase 1. Many kids do great with monitoring only and one round of braces or clear aligners as a teen. Our office offers early treatment, expanders and Phase 2 options, so we can match care to what your child actually needs.

Insurance and Payment Options for Early Care

Your first step doesn’t have to cost anything. First evaluations are free at our office, so you can get a professional read on your child’s growth before deciding on anything.

When care is recommended, many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit, and monthly payment plans can spread the cost out over time. Early treatment can also save money in the long run, since correcting a jaw issue at age 8 often prevents more involved care like extractions or surgical orthodontics in the teen years. During your free consultation, our smile team will explain every option in clear language, including any insurance coverage that may apply, and you’ll leave with a written breakdown so there are no surprises.

Signs Your Child May Need to See an Orthodontist Sooner

While age 7 works as a general starting point, some kids should be seen earlier. If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with Dr. Lauren.

Watch for these signs:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth, especially before age 5 or after age 7
• Trouble chewing or biting into normal foods
• Mouth breathing or snoring at night
• Crowded, crooked or blocked-out teeth as adult teeth come in
• Thumb-sucking after age 5 or long-term pacifier use
• Jaws that shift, click or pop when opening and closing
• A visible underbite, overbite or crossbite
• Teeth that don’t meet properly or don’t meet at all
• Speech issues tied to tooth or jaw position

You know your child best. If something looks or feels off, trust that instinct. A free consultation with our team can give you clear answers, whether that means starting care now or simply keeping an eye on things.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is age 7 too early for braces?

Age 7 is not too early for an evaluation, but it’s usually too early for full braces. Most 7-year-olds don’t need active treatment yet. Instead, Dr. Lauren uses this visit to check jaw growth and plan the best timing for care if it’s needed later.

What happens at a child’s first orthodontist visit?

Your child will get a friendly exam of the teeth, bite and jaw. Dr. Lauren may take digital photos or scans to get a full picture. You’ll then talk through what she sees, whether care is needed now, and what to watch for as your child grows. Spokane families are welcome to bring questions to this visit.

Does my child need a dentist referral to see an orthodontist?

No referral is needed. You can book a free consultation with our team directly, any time you have questions or notice a concern with your child’s smile.

Will my child definitely need braces after an early visit?

Not necessarily. Many kids leave the first visit with a simple “check back in six months” plan. Early evaluation is about spotting concerns early, not pushing treatment. If braces or clear aligners are the right call, Dr. Lauren will explain why and when.

How long does early orthodontic treatment last?

Phase 1 treatment often lasts around 6 to 12 months, depending on what needs to be corrected. After that, most kids take a break while more permanent teeth come in. Some will need Phase 2 later, usually in the teen years, to align the full smile.

Family smiles start here. Wondering if it’s time for your child’s first orthodontic visit? Dr. Lauren Van Gemert, a board-certified orthodontist and member of the American Board of Orthodontics, the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association, welcomes your family. Dr. Lauren graduated first in her class from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and completed advanced training, research and teaching at Texas A&M College of Dentistry.

Our smile team uses cutting-edge technology like the iTero scanner and digital 3D imaging to give your child a clear, comfortable evaluation from day one. You can schedule a free consultation whenever you’re ready, no referral needed, and together we can keep building strong smiles.