Right Age

The ideal time to first visit your orthodontist

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have an examination with an orthodontic specialist no later than the age of 7.

Why 7 years old ?

  • It is at this stage, the adult teeth are starting to erupt and it is from this point that the orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and erupting teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
  • While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
  • An orthodontic examination may reveal that your child’s bite is fine.  Or the orthodontist may identity a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then if appropriate, begin treatment at the correct time.  In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment
  • Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:

  • Guide jaw growth
  • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
  • Correct harmful oral habits
  • Improve appearance
  • Guide permanent teeth into a more favourable position
  • Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face
  • Through an orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile

If your child is older than 7, it is certainly not too late for an initial examination.  Our goal at Orthoclinic is to provide the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.