As a parent, you want to give your child the best start for a healthy, confident smile. One question that often comes up is: when should my child first visit an orthodontist? The answer might surprise you. Keep reading this blog from Total Orthodontics in Lone Tree and Greenwood Village, CO to understand the right age for your child’s first orthodontic visit, how it can make a big difference in their dental health and save time and money in the long run.

When Should My Child First Visit an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which gives orthodontists a clear view of how the jaw and teeth are developing.

At Total Orthodontics in Lone Tree and Greenwood Village, CO, the team takes a conservative approach. They believe in early awareness, not early over-treatment. This means they evaluate your child’s growth carefully and only recommend treatment when it will truly make a long-term difference.

Why age 7? By this age, several important things are happening:

• The first permanent molars have usually come in
• The front permanent teeth are starting to erupt
• Orthodontists can spot potential problems with jaw growth
• Early issues like crossbites or crowding become visible

What Happens During the First Orthodontic Visit?

Your child’s first visit is nothing to worry about. It’s simply a chance for the orthodontist to check how teeth and jaws are growing. During this visit, the orthodontist will:

• Examine your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite
• Look at how baby teeth are being replaced by permanent teeth
• Check for spacing issues or crowding
• Evaluate jaw growth and alignment
• Take photos or X-rays if needed

Most importantly, this visit helps determine if your child needs treatment right away or if they should simply be monitored as they grow.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment (Phase One Treatment)?

Early orthodontic treatment, also called Phase One treatment, addresses specific problems before all permanent teeth come in. This type of care usually happens between ages 7 and 10.

Phase One treatment might involve:

• Limited braces on certain teeth
• Expanders to create space for incoming permanent teeth
• Appliances to correct bite problems
• Guidance to stop harmful habits like thumb sucking

The goal is to address issues that are easier to fix while your child is still growing. This can prevent more serious problems later on.

What Problems Can Early Treatment Fix?

Early orthodontic care can make a significant difference for specific dental issues. When started at the right time, treatment offers many benefits:

• Creates proper space for permanent teeth to come in naturally
• Corrects bite problems like crossbites, underbites, or open bites
• Prevents tooth damage by fixing protruding front teeth
• Improves jaw alignment and facial balance
• Addresses harmful habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
• Reduces future complications that might require tooth extractions or jaw surgery
• Simplifies future treatment by making Phase Two shorter and easier

What Are the Warning Signs My Child Needs to See an Orthodontist?

You should schedule an orthodontic evaluation if you notice any of these signs:

• Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
• Spaces between teeth that seem too large
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting food
• Thumb sucking, finger sucking, or pacifier use after age 6
• Jaws that shift or make sounds when opening or closing
• Teeth that don’t meet properly when biting
• Breathing through the mouth most of the time
• Speech difficulties related to teeth position

Even if you don’t see these signs, it’s still a good idea to have your child evaluated by age 7 just to be sure everything is developing normally.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Children?

Total Orthodontics offers several treatment options designed specifically for younger patients:

Metal and Ceramic Braces: Traditional braces work well for children and can fix a wide range of orthodontic problems. They use gentle pressure to guide teeth into proper position.

Early Orthodontics (Phase One Treatment): This focuses on jaw growth and creating space for permanent teeth. It typically uses limited braces or special appliances.

Digital Technology: The practice uses iTero digital impressions, which means no messy molds or gooey material in your child’s mouth. This technology makes the process more comfortable and accurate.

How Often Should My Child Be Monitored?

If your child is enrolled in the Orthodontic Supervisory Program (Kids’ Club), they’ll be seen every 6 to 8 months. These visits are complimentary and include:

• Regular check-ins to monitor tooth eruption
• Tracking of jaw development
• Preventive guidance for proper dental care
• Updates sent to your family dentist
• Recommendations for the right time to start treatment

This monitoring ensures that when treatment is needed, it happens at the most effective time.

Quick Overview: Key Takeaways About Orthodontic Age

Here’s what you need to remember about your child’s orthodontic timeline:

• First visit recommended: By age 7
• Reason for early evaluation: To catch problems while they’re easier to fix
• Not all children need treatment: Many only need monitoring through Kids’ Club
• Early treatment age: Typically between 7 and 10 years old
• Treatment duration: Usually 6 to 18 months for Phase One
• Main benefit: Most children need braces only one time
• Follow-up care: Complimentary monitoring every 6-8 months

The team at Total Orthodontics believes in treating each child as an individual. They design every treatment plan around your child’s unique growth pattern and needs, ensuring the best long-term results without unnecessary care.

Start Your Child’s Smile Journey Today

Don’t wait until problems become more serious. An early orthodontic evaluation can give you peace of mind and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. Whether your child needs treatment now or simply needs to be monitored as they grow, Total Orthodontics in Lone Tree and Greenwood Village, CO, is here to help.

Call us to schedule your child’s complimentary orthodontic evaluation. The experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized plan for your child’s smile. Because every smile deserves expert care at the right time.