First Orthodontic Check at Age 7: What Gets Checked and When to Go Earlier

Orthodontists advise a first orthodontic check around age 7. Why this age, why most kids just need watching, and the signs that call for an earlier visit.

When your child's front teeth start changing to permanent teeth, you may begin wondering, "When should we think about braces?" Too early, and you worry about unnecessary treatment. Too late, and you worry about missing the right window. Here's what a first orthodontic check around age 7 involves, and which kids should go in sooner.

Why a first check around age 7?

By around age 7, your child's front teeth and six-year molars (the first permanent molars) have come in as permanent teeth. Looking at how the upper and lower molars fit together, and which way the front teeth are coming in, shows how the jaws are growing and where the bite is headed. That's why orthodontists recommend a first orthodontic evaluation around this age.

The key point: an evaluation doesn't mean braces. For most kids, the answer is "Let's keep watching for now." The dentist checks regularly as more permanent teeth come in and the jaws grow. An evaluation is less about whether to do orthodontic treatment and more about when the best time to start would be. It usually involves looking at the mouth and bite and the shape of the face and jaws, with photos or X-rays for a closer look if needed. It almost never hurts, so you can tell your child it's "a day to see how your teeth are growing."

Some kids, though, are advised to start early treatment. That's because some problems are easier to fix the earlier they're caught, like a crossbite (where the upper and lower teeth bite the wrong way) or front teeth that stick out a lot. Only some kids need this, and the right time to start varies from child to child.

A common myth is "We can think about braces once all the permanent teeth are in." For most kids, starting then really is fine. The early check is just so you don't miss a problem that needs attention sooner. On the flip side, the worry that "an evaluation means braces right away" is overblown.

Getting ready, before and after the check

1. At a regular checkup, ask the dentist first whether an orthodontic evaluation is needed.
2. Mention any habits still hanging on, like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, or tongue thrusting. These habits can affect the teeth and bite.
3. Also mention whether your child sleeps with the mouth open or snores.
4. At home, look at how the front teeth meet when your child's mouth is closed, and jot down anything that concerns you.
5. If the result is "keep watching," ask when the next check should be and line it up with regular checkups.

Feel free to ask questions during the evaluation. Questions like "What would improve if we treated now?" and "What changes if we wait?" help you decide when to start. Jotting down what you hear makes it easier to compare at the next evaluation. There's no need to rush just because another child has started braces. Every child has their own right time.

Frequently asked questions

Get an evaluation early when

• The front teeth bite backwards, or you notice a crossbite with upper and lower teeth biting the wrong way
• The front teeth stick out a lot
• There doesn't seem to be room for the permanent teeth
• The jaw looks shifted to one side
• Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing keeps going

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The information in this article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional dental care. Talk to a dentist about your child's condition.

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