Parents often ask when their child should first see an orthodontist. The answer is usually earlier than most expect.
Around age seven
An initial orthodontic check at about seven is ideal. At this age the first adult molars and incisors have usually come through, giving a clear picture of how the bite is developing.
Why early matters
Catching issues early does not always mean early treatment. Often it simply means monitoring. But where intervention helps, acting while the jaw is still growing can simplify or even avoid more complex treatment later.
What we look for
Crowding, bite problems, and habits such as thumb-sucking can all influence how teeth and jaws develop. An early assessment lets us plan the best timing for any care.
If your child has not yet had an orthodontic assessment, it is rarely too early to ask.