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If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve wondered when orthodontic care should begin. Maybe your child still has baby teeth, or maybe their smile looks “mostly fine” — so it’s easy to assume braces or orthodontic treatment can wait until the teenage years.
The truth is, early orthodontic evaluations play an important role in your child’s long-term oral health, even if treatment doesn’t start right away.
At Peach Orthodontics, we help families throughout Hayden, Post Falls, and nearby communities understand when — and why — to schedule their child’s first orthodontic visit. Here’s what every parent should know.
What Age Do Orthodontists Recommend?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
This doesn’t mean your child will need braces at age 7 — in fact, many don’t. Instead, this early visit allows an orthodontist to evaluate how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and identify potential issues before they become more complex.
By age 7, children typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This stage gives orthodontists valuable insight into:
- Jaw growth and alignment
- How permanent teeth are erupting
- Early signs of crowding or bite problems
- Habits that may affect oral development
An early evaluation gives your orthodontist the opportunity to monitor growth and plan treatment at the ideal time, rather than waiting until issues are harder to correct.
Why Age 7 Is an Important Milestone
Jaw growth plays a major role in how a child’s smile develops. While teeth can be moved at almost any age, jaw growth can only be guided while a child is still growing.
Seeing an orthodontist around age 7 allows for early detection of issues such as:
- Overbite — When the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth
- Underbite — When the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw
- Crossbite — When upper and lower teeth don’t align properly
- Crowding — When there isn’t enough space for permanent teeth
- Spacing — Gaps caused by missing or undersized teeth
Catching these concerns early often leads to simpler, more effective treatment later — and in some cases, helps avoid surgery or extensive orthodontic care in the future.
Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontic Evaluation
Even before age 7, certain signs may indicate that your child would benefit from an orthodontic visit. Parents are often the first to notice subtle changes, especially as baby teeth begin to fall out.
Some common signs include:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb-sucking past age 5
- Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
- Teeth that stick out noticeably
- Jaw shifting, popping, or clicking
- Speech difficulties related to tooth or jaw alignment
If you notice any of these signs, scheduling an orthodontic consultation can provide clarity and peace of mind — even if treatment isn’t needed yet.
What Is Early (Phase 1) Orthodontic Treatment?
When orthodontic treatment begins at a younger age, it’s often referred to as Phase 1 treatment. This type of care focuses on guiding jaw growth and creating space for permanent teeth, rather than fully straightening the smile.
Phase 1 treatment may include:
- Expanders to widen the upper jaw
- Limited braces or clear aligners
- Appliances to correct bite issues
- Habit-correcting devices
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. However, when it’s recommended, it can help:
- Reduce crowding as adult teeth come in
- Improve jaw alignment
- Lower the risk of impacted teeth
- Shorten or simplify future orthodontic treatment
At Peach Orthodontics, we only recommend early treatment when it provides a clear benefit to your child’s oral health and development.
What If My Child Doesn’t Need Treatment Right Away?
That’s actually very common — and great news.
For many children, the first orthodontic visit simply becomes a monitoring appointment. This allows the orthodontist to track growth and determine the ideal time to begin treatment, if needed.
Monitoring appointments typically involve:
- Periodic check-ins every 6–12 months
- Reviewing tooth eruption and jaw growth
- Updating digital images or scans as needed
This approach helps ensure treatment starts at the right time, not too early and not too late — which often leads to better results and a smoother experience.
Is It Ever Too Late for Orthodontic Treatment?
While early evaluations are important, orthodontic treatment isn’t limited to children. Teens and adults can absolutely benefit from braces or Invisalign.
However, starting with an early evaluation often makes later treatment:
- More efficient
- Less invasive
- Shorter in duration
- More predictable
In other words, early awareness leads to better options down the road — even if treatment begins years later.
What Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
A child’s first orthodontic appointment is simple, informative, and completely pressure-free. At Peach Orthodontics, we focus on making kids feel comfortable and parents feel informed.
During the visit, we’ll:
- Evaluate your child’s teeth and jaw alignment
- Take digital images or scans if needed
- Discuss growth patterns and potential concerns
- Explain whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all
- Answer any questions you have as a parent
There’s no obligation to start treatment — just clear guidance and expert insight into your child’s smile development.
Why Families Choose Peach Orthodontics
Families throughout Hayden, Post Falls, and surrounding areas trust Peach Orthodontics because we take a thoughtful, personalized approach to early orthodontic care.
Our team, led by Dr. Brent Rickheim and Dr. Brendan Smith, is committed to:
- Honest recommendations — Only treating when it’s truly beneficial
- Kid-friendly care — A welcoming environment for children of all ages
- Advanced technology — Digital scans instead of messy impressions
- Clear communication — So parents always know what to expect
- Long-term planning — Focused on your child’s future oral health
We believe orthodontic care should feel supportive, informative, and never rushed.
When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Appointment?
If your child is around age 7 — or if you’ve noticed signs of alignment or bite concerns — now is a great time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
An early visit doesn’t mean committing to treatment. It simply means giving your child the best possible foundation for a healthy, confident smile.
If you’re ready to learn more, Peach Orthodontics is here to help guide your family every step of the way.