For parents
Orthodontic evaluation by age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. At that age an orthodontist can spot developing bite and jaw issues early — and most children simply need monitoring.
Is it right for me?
Who it suits.
- Children around age 7, or earlier if you or your dentist notice a concern.
- Children with crowding, a crossbite, an underbite, or front teeth that don’t meet.
- Children who still suck their thumb or have early or late loss of baby teeth.
What we look for
What we look for
Jaw growth and bite
How the upper and lower jaws are developing and how the teeth come together.
Space for adult teeth
Whether there is likely to be enough room as permanent teeth come in.
Habits
Thumb sucking or tongue habits that can affect how teeth and jaws develop.
How it works
Step by step.
- 1
A gentle check-up
A quick, comfortable exam. Your orthodontist explains what they see in plain language.
- 2
Usually: monitoring
Most children don’t need treatment yet. We recommend when to check in again as they grow.
- 3
Sometimes: early treatment
If a problem is easier to correct now, your orthodontist will explain the options, timing and full fee.
A free check-up, and free monitoring as your child grows
The age-7 check-up is free, and so is growth monitoring afterwards. If your child doesn’t need treatment yet, we see them about once or twice a year to check how their jaws and adult teeth are coming in, until treatment is needed or we confirm it isn’t.
You don’t need a referral. Your child can be seen at any of our seven offices, and you get a plain-language summary of what the orthodontist found at every visit.
If early (Phase 1) treatment is recommended
Some problems are easier to correct while a child is still growing. Depending on the problem, Phase 1 may use a palatal expander to widen a narrow upper jaw, partial braces to straighten front teeth, a facemask for an underbite (Class III), an appliance to help stop a thumb or tongue habit, or a space maintainer to hold room for an adult tooth.
Early (Phase 1) treatment usually takes about 12 to 18 months. Your orthodontist explains why treatment is recommended now, what it involves and the full fee before you decide.
What happens after Phase 1
Many children need a second, shorter phase of treatment (Phase 2) once their adult teeth have come in, to fine-tune the position of the teeth. Between phases, we keep monitoring your child’s growth.
Questions
Answers, in plain language.
Does my child need braces at 7?
Usually not. The visit is about timing — finding the right moment for treatment, if any is needed.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book a consultation directly.
What is early (Phase 1) treatment?
Limited treatment while a child is still growing, used only when a specific issue is easier to address early.
Is the check-up really free?
Yes. The age-7 check-up and follow-up growth monitoring visits are free.
Will my child need two phases of treatment?
Not always. Many children who have Phase 1 need a shorter Phase 2 later. Your orthodontist explains what to expect.
What if my child is older than 7?
That’s fine. We see children of any age; book a consultation whenever you or your dentist notice a concern.
General information, not a diagnosis. Your orthodontist will recommend treatment after an examination.
