Overview

Finding out when your children should go to a dentist can be confusing with all the different opinions available on the Internet. Most people would naturally think that braces are strictly for teens who have crooked teeth; however, most specialists agree that it is ideal to get your child evaluated by a dental specialist during their younger years in order to assist with the proper development of their smile. The first couple of years of developing your child’s dental system can also help you identify and treat any issues prior to them becoming more serious, which will ultimately provide you with financial savings and potentially eliminate the need for longer treatment times. This guide breaks down exactly why an early evaluation matters, what signs to look for at home, the real statistics behind childhood dental interventions, and how to make the best decision for your family's oral health without any unnecessary stress.

The Magic Number: Why Seven is a Crucial Milestone

Early elementary school years are significantly developmentally. Most children by age 7 will have a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth. Transitional enters this transitional period, it creates a "window" of time for the dentist to assess both how the jaw is growing and where the permanent teeth are going to erupt into position.

Scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist at this time gives them the opportunity to find out about potential small problems associated with jaw development and emerging teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states that all children should have a dental evaluation by their seventh birthday.

The jaw is most malleable when it is young and will continue to grow until full maturity. If the dentist finds that there are issues with the child’s bite, such as an underbite, cross-bite, or extreme crowding, they  may be able to use special appliances to direct the jaw while it is still developing. In contrast, attempting to correct the same issues with an older teen, who has reached maximum jaw development, typically involves significantly more invasive treatments.

Early Evaluation Does Not Always Mean Early Braces

A major concern many parents have before scheduling the first appointment with an orthodontic specialist is that they will be forced to spend money on braces for their 2nd grader. Statistics, however, tell a completely different story. The primary reason for an early consultation is to evaluate the development of your child's teeth, jaw, and facial structure. 

Approximately ten percent of children require two separate phases of orthodontic treatment; ninety percent of children require monitoring of their developing teeth, jaws, and facial structures. 
Your orthodontist may recommend bringing your child back on an annual basis for a short check-up to determine if their permanent teeth are erupting in a normal fashion. This is referred to as a "wait and watch" policy, which provides both you and your orthodontist with a plan of action to determine when to schedule any possible future treatments. 

In addition, according to a study conducted by researchers at the National Library of Medicine in January of 2025, fifty-seven percent of families report having sought orthodontic treatment solely for aesthetic reasons, i.e., to improve self-esteem. 
While it is certainly beneficial to help build confidence in children through appearance, an early evaluation is strictly concerned with the proper functioning of your child's dental and facial anatomy.

Warning Signs Your Child Might Need an Early Check-Up

Look at your child eating. Do you see them complaining about biting or chewing on food? Are they avoiding hard foods and continuously biting the inside of their cheek or the top of their mouth? This may be a sign of a bad bite. A bad bite will always lead to uneven tooth wear down the road.

• Prolonged Thumb Sucking

Prolonged thumb sucking is very common. Many babies find sucking on their thumbs comforting. However, if this habit persists beyond the age of five (or even beyond that), it can cause severe distortion of the shape of the mouth. In addition, prolonged thumb sucking or continued use of a pacifier can be the primary cause of moving the front teeth forward, creating an "open bite," which occurs when the top front and bottom front teeth do not meet when you close your mouth. 

• Crowded or Misplaced Teeth

Take a good look at your child’s developing adult (permanent) teeth. Are there many of them crowding into the area? Do they appear to be growing in at odd angles? Are they losing their primary (baby) teeth earlier than expected or later than expected? It would be wise to have a specialist check this out. Early interceptive orthodontic treatment may allow space for those adult teeth to come in normally, and thus eliminate the need for potential future tooth extractions.

The True Cost of Waiting

Waiting too long to evaluate your children's development may result in some serious and costly implications for both you as a parent and your children's overall health. The longer that a problem, such as a structural issue in the jaw, remains unaddressed, especially when your child is young (in terms of the amount of time your child has to grow), it will have a compounding effect. For example, what may be a minor issue that would be treated using a palatal expander when a child is approximately 8 years old could become a major surgical problem requiring jaw surgery by the time they reach the age of 16.

Utilizing early childhood interceptive treatment therapy minimizes the potential hazards associated with delaying. Specialists using this type of treatment can identify problems before they develop, control facial growth, reduce the possibility of trauma to protruding front teeth, and stop detrimental oral habits from forming. An early consultation is an investment in preventing costly procedures later.

Choosing the Right Partner for Your Child's Smile

Choosing an experienced, caring orthodontic professional is what will ultimately determine the success of your child's orthodontic journey. Ideally, you are looking for a practice with experience treating young patients and one that values patient education above expediting treatment.

Nordstrom Orthodontics has earned a reputation as one of the top providers of early childhood interceptive treatment throughout Rhode Island. As a leading provider of quality care at every age level, Dr. Barrett Nordstrom founded his practice with a commitment to delivering superior service to patients at all stages of development. To further enhance the convenience for busy parents, Dr. Nordstrom’s offices are located in two strategic areas in Johnston and East Greenwich, respectively. He has received accreditation by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This means your child will receive nothing but the very best orthodontic care available anywhere. Dr. Nordstrom’s staff has the experience and the expertise necessary to create smiles through their use of advanced technology and individualized treatment options.

Take the Next Step Toward a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

Understanding your child’s dental health developmental stages gives you the opportunity to be ahead of the game. You don’t need to wait until all of their permanent teeth are in to get help. Scheduling an evaluation around your child’s seventh birthday is the best time to start giving them a healthy, beautiful, and functioning smile. If your child is close to this milestone, use some time this week to look up local orthodontists. Contact one to set up an initial consult, ask questions about their process, and create a foundation for understanding your child’s current level of oral growth. The visit is non-invasive and pain-free; it will also give you complete confidence as to what lies ahead for your child’s dental needs.