Braces at 7? Not Necessarily.

A quick question we hear from parents is, "When should my child see an orthodontist?"

Many people are surprised to learn that the first orthodontic evaluation is recommended around age 7. But don't worry, that doesn't mean your child is getting braces anytime soon.

Around this age, permanent front teeth begin coming in, making it the perfect time to evaluate how your child's teeth, jaws, and bite are developing. An early evaluation can help identify potential concerns with spacing, crowding, or jaw growth before they become bigger issues.

The good news? Most children won't need treatment right away.

For many kids, an orthodontic evaluation simply gives us a chance to monitor their growth and determine the best timing for treatment, if it's ever needed. Some children may benefit from early intervention to help create space for permanent teeth or guide jaw development, while others won't need braces until their permanent teeth are in around age 12.

Every smile develops differently. That's why regular dental visits are so important, we'll continue to monitor your child's growth and help determine if and when an orthodontic evaluation makes sense.

Sometimes the best treatment is simply giving a growing smile a little time.