Ottawa Orthodontics | Specialized Care

Many parents wonder when they should first take their child to see an orthodontist. While most people associate braces with the teenage years, orthodontic evaluations can and often should begin much earlier. Early intervention can lead to simpler treatment and better results in many cases. Learn about the ideal timing for children's first orthodontic assessment and the benefits of early intervention.

The Recommended Age for First Evaluation

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This might seem surprisingly early to many parents, but there are good reasons for this recommendation:

✓Mix of baby and permanent teeth: By age 7, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it easier for orthodontists to detect current or developing problems.
✓Jaw growth assessment: The orthodontist can evaluate how the jaw is growing and identify potential issues with jaw development.
✓Early detection of bite problems: Problems like crossbites, underbites, or severe crowding can be identified early.
✓Opportunity for intervention: Some issues are easier to correct while the child's jaw is still growing.

Signs Your Child Might Need an Early Evaluation

While age 7 is the recommended time for an initial evaluation, certain signs might indicate that your child should see an orthodontist even earlier:

⚠Bite Issues

Difficulty chewing or biting
Underbite or overbite
Crossbite (upper teeth fitting inside lower teeth)
Open bite (space between upper and lower teeth when biting)

⚠Alignment Problems

Crowded or misplaced teeth
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Teeth that don't meet at all
Teeth that meet abnormally

⚠Jaw Problems

Jaws that shift or make sounds
Disproportionate jaw size relative to the face
Protruding jaw or receding chin
Asymmetrical facial appearance

⚠Oral Habits

Prolonged thumb or finger sucking
Persistent mouth breathing
Tongue thrusting
Lip biting or sucking

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation

Preventive Benefits

✓Guide jaw growth: Influence jaw growth in a positive way to accommodate emerging permanent teeth

✓Lower risk of trauma: Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth

✓Correct harmful habits: Address thumb sucking and other oral habits before they cause problems

✓Guide permanent teeth: Improve the way permanent teeth come in

Treatment Benefits

✓Simpler treatment later: May reduce the need for more complex treatment in adolescence

✓Shorter treatment time: Early intervention can shorten the time in braces later

✓Better results: Some conditions are easier to treat when caught early

✓Potentially lower costs: Preventing problems can be less expensive than fixing them later

What to Expect at the First Evaluation

The first orthodontic evaluation is typically a simple, comfortable experience for your child. Here's what you can expect:

1
Medical and dental history review
The orthodontist will review your child's medical and dental history, including any habits like thumb sucking.
2
Oral examination
A thorough examination of the teeth, jaws, and oral structures will be performed to assess alignment and bite.
3
Potential X-rays
X-rays may be taken to see the position of teeth that haven't yet erupted and to evaluate jaw growth.
4
Discussion of findings
The orthodontist will explain any issues identified and discuss whether treatment is needed now or should be delayed.
5
Treatment recommendations
If treatment is recommended, the orthodontist will outline the options and create a personalized plan.

Early Treatment vs. Monitoring

It's important to understand that an early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment. After the evaluation, the orthodontist might recommend one of three approaches:

Immediate Treatment

For issues that would benefit from early intervention, such as severe crossbites, underbites, or harmful habits that are affecting development.

Monitoring

For potential issues that don't require immediate treatment but should be watched as your child grows. Regular check-ups will be scheduled.

Future Treatment

For issues best addressed when your child is older, typically during the adolescent years when most permanent teeth have erupted.

Schedule Your Child's Evaluation

Even if your child's teeth appear straight, underlying issues with jaw growth or tooth development may only be detectable by an orthodontist. Early evaluation provides peace of mind and can potentially save time and money in the long run.

Book an Evaluation Appointment

Conclusion

The age of 7 is generally the ideal time for a child's first orthodontic evaluation, but earlier assessments may be necessary if specific problems are observed. Early evaluation doesn't always mean immediate treatment—it's about identifying potential issues and creating a plan that's right for your child's specific needs.

By being proactive about your child's orthodontic health, you're setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Remember that each child is unique, and the timing and approach to orthodontic care should be personalized based on their individual development and needs.

When Should Children Have Their First Orthodontic Evaluation?