When Should Your Child First See an Orthodontist?
Most parents assume orthodontics starts in the pre-teen years, when a child has lost all their baby teeth. So it often surprises families when Dr. Boroun explains that the best time for a first orthodontic visit is much earlier.
The short answer: around age 7. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. That doesn't mean your child will need braces at 7. In fact, most children who come in at that age don't. It means an orthodontist can spot developing problems early, while they're still simple to guide.
Why age 7?
Age 7 is a turning point in dental development. By this age, most children have:
Their first permanent molars. These "six-year molars" set the back bite, so we can see how the upper and lower jaws line up.
A mix of baby and adult teeth. The permanent front teeth are usually coming in, which shows us whether there's enough room for the rest.
Jaws that are still growing. Growth is an advantage. Some problems that are hard to fix in a teenager or adult can be guided gently while a child is still developing.
In other words, age 7 is early enough to catch problems while they're easy to manage, and late enough for us to see where things are heading.
What an orthodontist looks for
At an early visit, Dr. Boroun checks how your child's teeth, bite and jaws are developing. Common issues we look for include:
Crowding or spacing — too little or too much room for the incoming adult teeth
Crossbites — upper teeth that bite inside the lower teeth, which can push the jaw off to one side
Underbites and overbites — when the upper and lower jaws don't line up front to back
Open bites — front teeth that don't meet when the back teeth are closed, often linked to thumb sucking
Protruding front teeth — which are more likely to chip or break in a fall
Missing, extra or blocked teeth — adult teeth that aren't developing or erupting as they should
Habits — thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting or mouth breathing that can affect how the jaws grow
Many of these are hard for parents, or even a general dentist, to see at a routine cleaning. A trained orthodontic eye, and sometimes an X-ray, can tell whether something needs attention now or can simply be watched.
An early visit doesn't mean early braces
This is the most common worry Dr. Boroun hears from parents, so let's be clear: most 7-year-olds we see don't need treatment yet. After the exam, your child will usually fall into one of three groups:
Everything looks on track. No treatment needed. We may suggest a follow-up as more adult teeth come in.
Something to watch. We'll schedule periodic check-ups to monitor growth and step in only if and when it makes sense.
Early (Phase 1) treatment recommended. For certain problems, such as crossbites, severe crowding or significant jaw imbalances, treating early can make later treatment shorter and simpler, and sometimes avoid tooth extractions or jaw surgery down the road.
Phase 1 treatment is usually short and may involve a palate expander, a space maintainer or a partial set of braces. Most children who have Phase 1 treatment will still need a second phase once their adult teeth are in, but it's typically easier and faster.
When to come in before age 7
Age 7 is a guideline, not a rule. Schedule a visit sooner if you notice:
Baby teeth lost very early or very late
Difficulty chewing or biting
Mouth breathing or snoring
Thumb or finger sucking that continues past age 4 or 5
Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
Jaws that shift, click or make sounds
Teeth that meet abnormally, or don't meet at all
Facial features that look out of proportion
Missed the age-7 window? It's not too late
If your child is already 9, 12 or 15, there's no need to worry. Orthodontic treatment works well for teens, and for adults too. The earlier we see a child, the more options we have. But the best time to schedule a consultation is always now.
What to expect at your child's first visit
A first consultation is quick, relaxed and painless. Your child can stay comfortable the whole time. At Fallsgrove Orthodontics, your child's visit with Dr. Boroun typically includes:
A gentle exam of your child's teeth, bite, jaws and facial profile
Photos and, if needed, X-rays or a digital scan (no messy impressions)
A conversation with you about what we found, in plain language
A clear recommendation: no treatment, check-ups to monitor growth, or a treatment plan with timing and costs
You'll leave with answers, and there's never any pressure to start treatment.
Schedule your child's first visit
If your child is around 7, or you've noticed any of the signs above, we'd love to meet you. Fallsgrove Orthodontics serves families in Rockville and the surrounding Montgomery County communities.
Book a consultation with Dr. Boroun or fill out our new patient form to get started.