The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That number surprises a lot of parents — most braces don’t go on until 10-13. Why so early?
Here’s the honest, parent-friendly version from our team in Dansville.
Why age 7 specifically
By age 7, kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. The first molars and front incisors have come in, the jaw is still growing, and any major issues with how teeth are erupting or how the jaw is developing are visible.
Catching problems at this stage is often the difference between a simple fix later and a complicated one — or even surgery — down the road.
Most kids won’t need braces yet
To be clear: an evaluation at 7 doesn’t mean treatment at 7. The vast majority of kids who get evaluated early are simply put on a watch list — we monitor as they grow and step in if and when treatment is actually needed (usually around 10-14).
Things we look for at the early evaluation
- Crossbites — when upper teeth fit inside lower teeth instead of outside; can cause asymmetric jaw growth if untreated
- Severe crowding — when the jaw is too small for incoming permanent teeth
- Severe spacing — large gaps that may need management
- Open bite — when front teeth don’t meet when the back teeth close
- Deep bite — when upper teeth cover lower teeth too much
- Underbite — when lower jaw protrudes; often easier to address while jaw is still growing
- Thumb-sucking, tongue-thrust, or mouth-breathing habits — that affect bite development
- Missing or extra teeth — visible on a panoramic X-ray
What is “Phase 1” treatment?
Phase 1 (or interceptive) orthodontics is early treatment — usually around ages 7-9 — to address specific problems before all permanent teeth are in. It’s NOT for cosmetic straightening of front teeth. Common Phase 1 treatments:
- Palate expanders (widen the upper jaw to make room for permanent teeth)
- Space maintainers (hold space when a baby tooth is lost early)
- Habit appliances (help break thumb-sucking or tongue-thrust)
- Limited braces or aligners on specific teeth to correct a crossbite
Phase 2 — full braces or aligners for cosmetic alignment — typically comes later, around 11-14, once all permanent teeth are in.
When NOT to wait
Bring your child in sooner than 7 if you notice:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing (especially with snoring)
- Speech issues
- Thumb-sucking past age 4-5
- Front teeth meeting the wrong way (top behind bottom, or not meeting at all)
- Asymmetric jaw growth — the chin shifting to one side
- Significant tooth crowding visible to you
What an evaluation involves
The first evaluation is short and gentle:
- A quick look in the mouth
- Photos of the smile and teeth
- Sometimes a panoramic X-ray to see permanent teeth still developing
- A conversation about what we see and what (if anything) needs attention
If no treatment is needed, we’ll explain what we’ll watch for and check at the next visit. If treatment is needed, we’ll lay out timing, options, and cost — your decision from there.
Cost of early evaluations
An initial orthodontic consult is typically free or covered by insurance. Most evaluations are simply observation visits — no treatment, no fee.
Schedule when ready
If your child is around 7, or if anything in this article rings a bell, schedule a no-pressure evaluation. We’re a family practice — we’re patient with kids and we’ll explain everything in age-appropriate language.
Call (585) 335-2120 or visit our orthodontics page for more.