When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
August 28th, 2026
Written by Blake Hickey | Clinically reviewed by Dr. Marissa Cooper, DMD, MS | Last reviewed September 25, 2026
The Short Answer
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup when a concern is identified and no later than age 7 [1].
That may sound early, especially when your child still has baby teeth. But an orthodontic evaluation at 7 does not mean your child needs braces at 7. In fact, many children leave their first visit with a simple recommendation: Let’s keep watching as they grow.
The purpose of an early evaluation is to understand how your child’s adult teeth, jaws and bite are developing. If everything looks healthy, monitoring may be all that is needed. If Dr. Cooper sees a developing concern, finding it early may provide more treatment options and better timing.
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Raising Weston is a podcast for parents from Orthodontics of Weston. In this episode, host Blake Hickey walks through what parents can expect at a child’s first orthodontic checkup and why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that first checkup by age 7.
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Why Do Orthodontists Recommend an Evaluation by Age 7?
Around age 7, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Their first permanent molars and front teeth have often started to come in, giving an orthodontist an early look at how the adult bite is taking shape.
At this age, an orthodontist may be able to identify:
- A crossbite, underbite or developing bite imbalance
- Crowding or limited space for permanent teeth
- Permanent teeth that are missing, blocked or developing in an unusual position
- A narrow upper jaw or palate
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Differences in jaw growth
- Teeth that do not meet properly when your child bites
Some of these concerns are easy to notice. Others are not visible when a parent looks inside a child’s mouth.
An early visit gives families useful information without committing them to treatment.
“It’s education, it’s knowledge. And I always believe knowledge is power, whether that means not doing anything or doing something at the appropriate time.”
Dr. Marissa Cooper, DMD, MS
What Happens at a Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
A first orthodontic evaluation is designed to be comfortable, informative and low-pressure. At Orthodontics of Weston, the first consultation is complimentary.
Dr. Cooper will examine your child’s teeth and bite, along with the way the jaws and surrounding structures are developing. She may also look at the lips, tongue, soft tissues and other factors that can affect oral development.
The visit may include:
- A review of your child’s dental and medical history
- An examination of the teeth, bite and jaw relationships
- A conversation about habits, chewing or other concerns
- A review of relevant family dental and orthodontic history
- Photographs or digital imaging, when clinically appropriate
- A clear explanation of whether treatment, observation or routine monitoring is recommended
Dental radiographs are not automatically necessary for every child at every visit. Under the American Dental Association and FDA guidance on patient selection, imaging should be selected according to the child’s individual clinical needs and after an appropriate examination [2].
When imaging is recommended, a panoramic X-ray can help Dr. Cooper see developing permanent teeth below the gums. It may reveal a missing or extra tooth, an impacted tooth or an eruption path that deserves closer attention.
Family history can also provide helpful context. Patterns such as impacted teeth, significant crowding or jaw differences sometimes run in families. Do not be surprised if Dr. Cooper asks about a parent’s orthodontic history or takes a quick look at a parent’s smile.
Does My Child Need to Have a Visible Problem?
No. Many of the issues an orthodontist evaluates at age 7 are difficult to recognize at home.
You may want to schedule an evaluation sooner if you notice:
- Crowded, overlapping or blocked teeth
- An underbite or crossbite
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing or difficulty comfortably closing the lips
- A jaw that shifts when your child bites
- Protruding front teeth
- Thumb or finger habits that continue as permanent teeth emerge
- Teeth that appear to be erupting in an unusual position
These signs do not necessarily mean treatment is required. They simply make an evaluation worthwhile.
What Is Early or Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes called interceptive treatment or Phase 1 orthodontics, is used to address a specific concern while a child is still growing.
The goal is not to create a finished, perfectly aligned smile at age 7. It is to address a developing structural, functional or eruption problem when early treatment offers a meaningful advantage.
Depending on the child’s diagnosis, early treatment may be considered to:
- Correct certain crossbites
- Address selected underbites or jaw-growth concerns
- Create room for permanent teeth to erupt
- Reduce the effects of significant crowding
- Guide teeth that are erupting into an unfavorable position
- Improve how the upper and lower teeth meet
- Protect protruding teeth that may be more vulnerable to injury
Treatment is highly individualized. One child may benefit from a palatal expander. Another may need a limited course of braces or a different orthodontic appliance. Many children need no active treatment at all.
“Phase one treatment is really supposed to be growth orthopedic treatment, meaning correcting a problem that, if you correct it early, may help avoid a bigger problem. Phase one is not about esthetics.”
Dr. Marissa Cooper, DMD, MS
Why Might a Palatal Expander Be Recommended?
A palatal expander may be recommended when a child’s upper jaw is too narrow in relation to the lower jaw. This can contribute to a crossbite, crowding or insufficient room for permanent teeth.
Palatal expansion is generally most effective while a child is still growing. The timing, however, is not identical for every child. It depends on skeletal development, the specific diagnosis and the orthodontist’s clinical assessment [3].
For that reason, it is more accurate to say that certain upper-jaw problems may be easier to address during growth than to claim that every child’s upper jaw stops growing at one specific age.
Expansion can create space in an abnormally narrow arch, but it should not be presented as a guarantee that a child will avoid tooth extractions later. Extraction decisions are case-specific and depend on the child’s teeth, facial proportions, bite and long-term treatment goals.
Does Phase 1 Treatment Prevent the Need for Braces Later?
Not necessarily.
Phase 1 and comprehensive orthodontic treatment solve different problems. Early treatment may address a developing jaw, bite or eruption concern. Later treatment with braces or clear aligners focuses on fully aligning the permanent teeth and refining the bite.
The American Association of Orthodontists notes that many orthodontic concerns can be treated in a single comprehensive phase. In other situations, early treatment is followed by a second phase after more permanent teeth have erupted [4].
That is why Phase 1 should not be described as a shortcut around braces.
“I typically caution parents who are considering phase one treatment simply for esthetics, because they will probably need additional treatment later.”
Dr. Marissa Cooper, DMD, MS
If one phase can achieve the right clinical result, there is no reason to recommend two. Early treatment should be reserved for cases in which acting during growth offers a clear benefit.
How Does Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment Work?
When two-phase treatment is recommended, it usually follows three stages.
Phase 1: Early Treatment
Phase 1 often begins while a child has both baby and permanent teeth. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve an expander, limited braces or another orthodontic appliance.
The objective is to address a specific developmental concern, not complete every aspect of tooth alignment.
Observation and Growth
After Phase 1, there is usually a period of observation. Your child is not in active treatment, but Dr. Cooper continues to monitor jaw growth and the arrival of permanent teeth.
Appointments during this stage help determine whether comprehensive treatment will be needed and, if so, when it should begin.
Phase 2: Comprehensive Treatment
Phase 2 generally begins after most or all permanent teeth have erupted. Braces or clear aligners may be used to align the teeth, improve the bite and complete treatment.
The timing is based on dental development and growth, not simply your child’s birthday.
What Are the Possible Outcomes of an Early Evaluation?
Most first evaluations lead to one of three recommendations:
- No treatment is needed.
Development looks healthy, and your child can continue with routine dental care. - Dr. Cooper will monitor growth.
Something deserves attention, but treatment is not currently necessary. A follow-up may be scheduled in six to 12 months. - Early treatment may help.
A specific problem is present, and addressing it now may provide a clinical advantage.
For many families, the second or even the first outcome is welcome news.
“I truly love being able to tell parents that we don’t need to do anything. We’re simply going to watch their child grow.”
Dr. Marissa Cooper, DMD, MS
A thoughtful orthodontic evaluation is not about finding a reason to begin treatment. It is about determining what your child needs and, just as importantly, what your child does not need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an orthodontic evaluation at age 7 mean braces at age 7?
No. Most children who are evaluated at 7 do not begin comprehensive braces at that age. Many are simply monitored as their permanent teeth and jaws develop.
Do we need a referral to schedule an orthodontic evaluation?
No referral is needed. Families can contact Orthodontics of Weston directly to request an appointment.
Should my child continue seeing a pediatric or general dentist?
Yes. Orthodontic visits do not replace regular dental care. Your child should continue routine examinations and cleanings with their pediatric or general dentist before, during and after orthodontic treatment.
Is an orthodontist different from a general dentist?
Yes. An orthodontist first completes dental school and then receives additional accredited specialty education focused on tooth movement, bite correction and dentofacial development.
You can learn more about Dr. Cooper’s education and experience on the practice’s doctor profile.
How much does an orthodontic evaluation or treatment cost?
The initial consultation is complimentary. Treatment fees depend on the diagnosis, treatment plan and expected length of care, and the team can explain anticipated costs and available options after evaluating your child.
What if my child is already a teenager?
It is not too late to schedule an evaluation. Teenagers can benefit from orthodontic care even if they did not have an evaluation at age 7. Dr. Cooper will assess the permanent teeth, bite and remaining growth before recommending an individualized plan.
Families preparing for treatment can also review the practice’s guide to life with braces.
Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation in Weston, Florida
If your child is approaching age 7, has a developing bite concern or has been referred by a dentist, an orthodontic evaluation can provide clarity.
Orthodontics of Weston offers consultation times designed to work with school and family schedules, including select after-school, late-afternoon, half-day and school-holiday availability.
Request an appointment online or call (954) 389-1002.
Orthodontics of Weston proudly serves children, teens and families throughout Weston and Broward County.
Written by Blake Hickey
Blake manages marketing for Orthodontics of Weston. He has been a patient at different practices across the country over the years, going through expanders and braces as a kid, along with jaw surgery, aligners and retainers in his 30s. Because he is not an orthodontist, he sits down with Dr. Cooper to ask the questions he once had and that real patients ask today, then writes up what he learns to make treatment easier for families to understand.
Clinical review by Dr. Marissa Cooper, DMD, MS
Dr. Marissa Cooper is the owner and orthodontist at Orthodontics of Weston. She joined the practice in 2013 and is now its owner, and the practice has served South Florida families since 1989. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and completed her orthodontic certificate and Master of Science at Nova Southeastern University. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.
Learn more about Dr. Marissa Cooper
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a doctor-patient relationship. Schedule an evaluation with a licensed orthodontist for individual care.
Sources
- [1] American Association of Orthodontists. The Milestone Visit: Why Age 7 is the Best Age for Orthodontic Treatment.
- [2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Selection of Patients for Dental Radiographic Examinations.
- [3] American Association of Orthodontists. Child Orthodontics.
- [4] American Association of Orthodontists. What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?