Reviewed by Dr Kathryn Stanley
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Reading Time: Five Minutes
If your child still has baby teeth, you might assume braces are years away. But orthodontic concerns often show up early and the best time to catch them is when your child is still growing.
A simple evaluation now can make a big difference later, helping to prevent more serious dental issues and setting your child up for a confident smile.
Whether your child has crowded teeth, a bad bite, or a few adult teeth coming in out of line, early orthodontic care can help. Here’s what you need to know about orthodontic care.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Most kids should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if they still have baby teeth. Early evaluations help detect dental issues like crooked teeth, crowded teeth, or a bad bite before they get worse.
Why Early Evaluations Matter
If your child still has a few baby teeth, you might assume it’s too early to think about braces. But early orthodontic care doesn’t always mean starting treatment right away. It means getting ahead of problems before they turn into bigger ones.
At Stanley Pediatric Dentistry, we help parents stay on top of their child’s oral health from the start. That includes knowing when it’s time to consider an orthodontic evaluation.
Why Age 7 Is the Magic Number
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That’s because by this age, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth and that gives us a good look at how things are developing.
Even if your child doesn’t need braces yet, we may be able to catch early signs of dental issues like:
- Crowded teeth
- Upper teeth that stick out
- Misalignment in the bite (overbite, underbite, or crossbite)
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
Early Orthodontic Care Can Help Prevent Bigger Problems
Catching early signs of misalignment allows us to plan ahead. We may recommend monitoring your child over time or referring you to an orthodontist for early intervention.
In some cases, early treatment can help guide jaw growth or make space for incoming adult teeth making future orthodontic treatments simpler and shorter.
How Palatal Expanders Help Growing Smiles
In some cases, a palatal expander may be recommended to gently widen the upper jaw. This can be especially helpful when there’s not enough space for adult teeth to come in or when a child has a posterior crossbite.
Palatal expanders are most effective while the jaw is still developing. By creating more space, this treatment can reduce the need for tooth extractions later and support a more balanced bite.
We offer palatal expanders as part of our early orthodontic approach when appropriate. We also offer Invisalign for Teens®. If your child needs traditional metal braces or a more involved orthodontic plan, we will connect you with a trusted local orthodontist.
Signs Your Child Might Need Braces
Every smile is different, but here are some common signs your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation:
- Crooked teeth or noticeable gaps
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Malocclusion including crossbite, underbite or functional shift
- Missing or extra teeth
- Teeth that don’t meet together correctly
- Pacifier, thumb or finger sucking that is affecting the teeth
These issues can affect your child’s oral health and make brushing or flossing harder, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Supporting Your Child’s Oral Health One Step at a Time
We want every child to feel confident in their smile. Whether we’re keeping an eye on your child’s bite or helping you find the right treatment plan, our goal is to support their overall dental care and long-term oral health.
And remember, just because your child needs orthodontic care doesn’t mean they need braces right away. With regular visits and early evaluation, we can help guide their dental development and set them up for a beautiful smile.
Stanley Pediatric Dentistry: Your Partners in Oral Health
Wondering if it’s time to start thinking about braces? Let’s talk about it at your child’s next visit.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Overland Park, KS, call (913) 345-0331 or visit us at 8575 W 110th St Suite 310, Overland Park, KS.
FAQs About Orthodontic Treatment
What is the best age for braces for kids?
The best age for braces depends on your child’s specific needs, but most kids start treatment between ages 12 and 14, when they have a mix of baby and permanent teeth and their jaw is still growing.
At what age should a child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early visit helps identify any dental issues and allows for monitoring as your child grows.
Why are kids getting braces so early?
Early treatment between ages 7 to 10 can guide jaw development, create space for incoming adult teeth, and correct bite problems before they become more serious. Not every child needs early braces, but an evaluation by age 7 can help determine the best timing.
