Your child’s smile is a big deal, both emotionally and physically. As a parent, you want to make the right decisions at the right time, especially when it comes to orthodontic care. So when should your child first see an orthodontist? According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the answer might surprise you: age 7 is the magic number.
Why Age 7?
Because Early Evaluations = Fewer Problems Later
At first glance, your 7- or 8-year-old may seem way too young for braces. But an early evaluation isn’t about jumping into treatment, it’s about identifying potential issues while your child’s jaws are still growing and their adult teeth are beginning to erupt.
Even teeth that look straight can be hiding bite or alignment problems. There could be things going on under the surface that can only be seen with a full mouth x-ray and review by an Orthodontic Specialist. That’s why WOW! Smiles™offers free early-care evaluations to monitor jaw development, guide tooth eruption, and give you peace of mind.
Think of it like this: if the Tooth Fairy is showing up often, it’s probably time to check in with an orthodontist.
What Does Early Orthodontic Care Look Like?
This initial visit doesn’t involve braces or big decisions. Instead, it’s about:
- Taking X-rays to see what’s happening below the surface
- Tracking jaw and bite development over time
- Monitoring space as larger adult teeth come in
- Creating a personalized growth guidance plan
- Giving parents clear answers, and kids a fun, positive first experience
In many cases, treatment isn’t needed right away. But if early care is recommended, it can make a huge difference down the road, often shortening future treatment time and avoiding more invasive procedures like extractions or surgery.
Real Benefits of Early Intervention
- ✔️ Make space before adult teeth crowd in
- ✔️ Reduce the risk of permanent teeth becoming impacted
- ✔️ Support proper jaw alignment and bite development
- ✔️ Improve nasal airway and breathing
- ✔️ Boost self-esteem and prevent teasing or bullying
- ✔️ Create a smoother, more affordable treatment experience later
Only at WOW! Smiles: Modern Tools, Kid-Friendly Vibes
We know old-school orthodontics can be intimidating. That’s why we do things differently, with gentle, kid-approved care designed just for early treatment. Our very own Dr. Rael Bernstein, one of the nation’s top experts in Phase 1 orthodontics, created the Berni-Tube™ Phase 1 Orthodontic System, a breakthrough technology that makes early treatment:
- More comfortable (no bulky expanders!)
- More effective at guiding teeth and jaw development
- More kid-friendly, because we believe early care should be gentle and empowering
Do You Need a Dentist Referral First?
Nope! No referral is needed to schedule a FREE early-care consultation. In fact, while pediatric dentists focus on individual tooth health, orthodontists are specially trained to assess the entire structure of your child’s smile, including the jaw, bite, and how everything works together as they grow. It’s a team effort, and at WOW! Smiles™, your child is always at the center of that team.
Look for These Signs
While we recommend screening by age 7 for every child, these signs may indicate your child needs orthodontic attention sooner:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Thumb-sucking or pacifier use past toddlerhood
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Teeth that stick out, bite into the roof of the mouth, or cause cheek biting
- Jaws that seem too far forward or back
- Bullying due to misaligned teeth
Set the Foundation for a WOW! Smile—Starting Now
Early orthodontic evaluations aren’t about rushing into treatment, they’re about smart timing, helping to prevent bigger problems down the road, and smile confidence that lasts a lifetime. At WOW! Smiles™, we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way, with state-of-the-art tools, five-star care, and flexible payment options to make early care possible for every family. Schedule your FREE consultation today and discover the WOW! difference.