Did you know your child should see an orthodontist by age 7? Many parents don’t know this important fact! Most wait until all baby teeth are gone. But seeing an orthodontist early can help your child get a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
At Aligned on Pearl in Denver, we help kids get great smiles while caring for their overall health. Dr. Vanderstelt looks at more than just straight teeth – we check breathing, jaw growth, and how your child’s smile looks.
Why Age 7 Is the Magic Number
By age 7, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to spot problems early. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says all children should see an orthodontist at this age.
What Happens at Age 7?
At this special time in your child’s growth:
- Some baby teeth have fallen out
- The first adult molars have come in
- The jaw is still growing and easier to guide
This early check-up doesn’t always mean your child will need braces right away. Sometimes we just watch how things develop. Other times, early treatment can stop small problems from becoming big ones.
Signs Your Child Should See an Orthodontist
1. Your Child Has Turned 7 Years Old
Even if you don’t see problems, age 7 is the right time for a first visit. This check-up can find hidden issues that only an orthodontist can spot.
2. Teeth That Don’t Fit Together Right
Does your child have:
- An overbite (upper teeth stick out too far)
- An underbite (lower teeth are in front of upper teeth)
- A crossbite (upper teeth sit inside lower teeth)
- Open bite (teeth don’t touch when mouth is closed)
These bite problems can cause:
- Pain when chewing
- Headaches
- Trouble speaking clearly
- Teeth that wear down too fast
3. Crowded or Spaced Teeth
Look at your child’s smile. Do you see:
- Teeth that overlap or twist
- Big gaps between teeth
- Teeth that look too big or small for their mouth
Crowded teeth are hard to clean and can lead to cavities. Gaps can cause gum problems. Both issues are easier to fix when your child is young.
4. Mouth Breathing or Snoring
Does your child:
- Breathe through their mouth instead of nose
- Snore at night
- Seem tired during the day
- Have trouble focusing
These could be signs of airway problems that an orthodontist can help with. At Aligned on Pearl, we focus on airway health as part of our Three A’s approach: Airway, Alignment, and Aesthetics.
5. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth should fall out in a certain order. If your child loses teeth too early or too late, it might affect how adult teeth come in.
What Happens at the First Orthodontic Visit?
Your child’s first visit to Aligned on Pearl will be easy and fun! Here’s what we do:
The Check-Up
- We look at your child’s teeth, jaws, and face
- We may take special pictures (X-rays) to see teeth that haven’t come in yet
- We check how your child breathes, swallows, and bites
The Talk
After the check-up, Dr. Vanderstelt will:
- Show you what’s going on with your child’s smile
- Explain if treatment is needed now or later
- Answer all your questions
The Plan
You’ll leave with:
- Clear next steps for your child’s smile
- Understanding of any treatment needed
- Knowledge about costs and timing
Treatment Options for Young Children
If your child needs early treatment, we have many gentle options:
Expanders
These special tools help make the jaw wider. They:
- Create space for adult teeth
- Help fix crossbites
- May prevent the need for pulling teeth later
- Work best when children are still growing
Space Maintainers
If baby teeth come out too soon, these tools keep space open for adult teeth.
Early Braces
Sometimes we use braces for a short time to:
- Guide teeth into better spots
- Help the jaw grow right
- Fix bite problems early
Clear Aligners
Yes, even kids can get clear aligners! At Aligned on Pearl, we offer:
- Comfortable clear aligners made just for growing smiles
- Options that work well even with baby teeth
- Treatment that kids find easy to live with
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Care
Getting orthodontic care at the right time helps your child in many ways:
Better Health
Early treatment can:
- Improve how your child breathes
- Help with better sleep
- Make eating easier
- Lead to fewer cavities and gum problems
Easier Treatment Later
Starting early often means:
- Shorter time in braces as a teen
- Less need for pulling teeth
- Lower chance of needing jaw surgery
- Better results that last longer
Confidence Boost
A healthy smile helps kids feel good about themselves. Fixing smile problems early can:
- Stop teasing before it starts
- Help your child smile more
- Build lasting confidence
What If My Child Is Older Than 7?
It’s never too late! If your child is past age 7, an orthodontic check-up is still a great idea. While some problems are easier to fix when kids are younger, orthodontists can help patients of any age.
At Aligned on Pearl, we see many older children and teens. We have options for every age:
- Damon self-ligating braces
- Clear aligners
- InBrace hidden braces (behind the teeth)
- Other custom treatments
Cost and Insurance for Early Orthodontic Care
Many parents worry about the cost of orthodontic care. At Aligned on Pearl, we work with you to make treatment fit your budget.
Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance plans cover part of orthodontic treatment. We can help you understand your benefits.
Payment Plans
We offer payment plans to spread the cost over time, making it easier for families.
Value of Early Care
Early treatment might seem like an extra cost, but it often saves money by:
- Preventing bigger problems
- Reducing the need for longer treatment later
- Avoiding dental problems caused by bad bites
Final Thoughts
The best time for your child to see an orthodontist is age 7, but it’s never too late to start the journey to a healthy smile. At Aligned on Pearl in Denver, we look at the whole child – not just their teeth. Our Three A’s approach (Airway, Alignment, and Aesthetics) helps your child get a smile that’s healthy, works well, and looks great.
Dr. Vanderstelt and our team make orthodontic visits fun and easy for kids. We explain everything in ways both parents and children can understand.
Ready to take this important step for your child’s health? Call Aligned on Pearl today to set up your child’s first orthodontic check-up. A small step now can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles!