How Early Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

By age seven, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth — enough development for us to spot patterns that will shape the rest of their orthodontic journey. That's why the AAO recommends an evaluation around this age, even if no treatment is needed.

An early visit doesn't mean early braces. In most cases we simply observe growth, take baseline records, and check in once a year. When intervention is helpful — for crossbites, severe crowding, or jaw asymmetry — catching it early often means a shorter, simpler treatment later on.

These first visits are designed to be warm and pressure-free. Your child meets the team, sees the technology, and starts building a relationship with orthodontics that feels positive rather than intimidating.