As kids grow up, their smiles go through a lot of changes. Baby teeth fall out, adult teeth come in, and sometimes those changes don’t happen exactly as expected. That’s where orthodontic evaluations can help.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids have their first checkup with an orthodontist by age 7.
That doesn’t always mean your child will need braces right away. In many cases, an early evaluation just means keeping an eye on things so treatment can start at the right time, if it’s needed later on.
Why Age 7?
By the time a child is around 7 years old, they usually have a mix of baby and adult teeth. That makes it the ideal time for a specialist to spot any early signs of issues with how the teeth or jaws are developing.
Even if everything looks fine, like straight front teeth, a pediatric dentist or orthodontist can catch subtle problems, such as:
Crowding or spaced-out teeth
Crossbites, overbites, or underbites
Jaw growth issues
Problems with how permanent teeth are coming in
Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits that can affect alignment
Some of these problems are much easier to correct while a child is still growing. Catching them early can help guide proper jaw development and may even prevent more serious treatment down the road.
Common Signs That an Evaluation May Be Helpful
While age is a helpful guideline, there are certain signs that could mean it’s time to check in with an orthodontist sooner:
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
A jaw that shifts or makes clicking sounds
Crowded, crooked, or teeth that seem stuck
Front teeth that stick out
Frequently biting the cheeks or the roof of the mouth
If your child shows any of these signs, it may be a good idea to talk with a pediatric dental specialist. Even if everything looks fine, a simple evaluation can give you peace of mind and a better understanding of your child’s oral development.
Read more: How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth While Wearing Braces
Benefits of Early Detection
Getting an early orthodontic evaluation gives your dental team a chance to plan treatment more effectively and at the right time. That can help:
Guide proper jaw growth
Make room for crowded teeth
Lower the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
Improve facial symmetry and bite alignment
Monitor development and possibly avoid more extensive treatment later
Even if your child doesn’t need immediate treatment right away, early checkups let your pediatric dentist monitor growth and jump in only when it’s actually needed.
What Happens During the Evaluation?
An orthodontic evaluation is simple, quick, and comfortable. The dentist will examine your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite. X-rays may be taken to check how the adult teeth are developing. After the exam, you’ll receive a clear explanation of any findings and, if needed, a plan for next steps.
How Our Pediatric Dental Offices in New Iberia and Lafayette Can Help
If your child is around age 7, or showing signs that something might be off, it might be time for an expert opinion.
An early evaluation helps set the foundation for healthy development and can catch potential issues before they turn into bigger problems.
Call Pelican Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an early orthodontic consultation with our trusted pediatric dental team in New Iberia or Lafayette, LA. We’re here to support your child’s healthiest smile every step of the way.