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The Age 7 Visit: Setting the Stage for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

As a parent, you want to give your child the best start in life, and that includes the foundation for a healthy, confident smile. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first visit to the orthodontist be at age 7.
 
An age 7 orthodontic evaluation isn’t about getting braces right away. It’s about early detection and taking a proactive approach to your child’s oral health, ensuring their smile develops correctly from the start.
girl brushing teeth

Why is an Age 7 Orthodontic Evaluation So Important?

By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This makes it the perfect time for an orthodontist like Dr. Harris to spot subtle issues with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
 
Early orthodontic care allows us to identify potential problems that may be more difficult and costly to treat later on. This preventative approach can save your child from more complex procedures in the future.
 

Key Benefits of Early Orthodontic Care

An early evaluation provides the opportunity to:
  • Guide Jaw Growth: Correcting jaw growth issues can prevent future bite problems and even surgical needs.
  • Lower the Risk of Trauma: We can address protruding front teeth that are more susceptible to chipping or injury.
  • Improve Oral Habits: Identify and correct harmful habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
  • Create Space for Crowded Teeth: Guiding permanent teeth into a better position as they erupt can prevent severe crowding.
  • Simplify Future Treatment: Early intervention can make future orthodontic treatment, if needed, shorter and less complicated.

What to Expect During Your Child's First Visi

Your child’s first orthodontic visit at Harris Orthodontics is a positive and stress-free experience. Our friendly team will make your child feel comfortable while Dr. Harris performs a gentle but thorough examination.
 
We use advanced technology, like our 3D digital X-rays, to get a clear and complete picture of your child’s teeth, jaw, and facial structure. We will assess for crowding, crossbites, overbites, and other alignment issues, and discuss our findings with you in detail.
 
This initial age 7 orthodontic evaluation allows us to determine if your child would benefit from early intervention or if it’s best to simply monitor their growth and development.

Trust Harris Orthodontics with Your Child’s Smile

Choosing Harris Orthodontics for your child’s early orthodontic care means choosing a team that puts your family first. Dr. Harris combines his board-certified expertise with a patient-centered approach to ensure your child receives the best possible care.
 
We believe in preventative orthodontics and are dedicated to guiding your child’s dental development in a way that promotes long-term health and a beautiful smile they can be proud of.

FAQs About Early Orthodontic Evaluations

Age 7 is the ideal time because the first adult molars have typically erupted, establishing the back of the bite. This allows an orthodontist to evaluate the relationship between the teeth and jaws from side-to-side and front-to-back. It’s the best opportunity to spot developing issues early.

The check-up is a simple visual examination of your child’s mouth. Dr. Harris will look for crowding, spacing, and bite issues. He may also take digital images or 3D X-rays to get a better look at erupting teeth and jaw alignment. The entire process is quick, painless, and informative.

No, not at all. In fact, most children who have an age 7 orthodontic evaluation do not need immediate treatment. For many, the visit simply confirms their dental development is on the right track. If a problem is detected, we can determine the best time to begin treatment for the most effective results.

Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy Smile

Taking the first step is easy. An early evaluation can set your child on the path to a lifetime of confidence and oral health. Schedule a complimentary age 7 orthodontic evaluation at Harris Orthodontics today.
 
Let us partner with you to ensure your child’s smile grows beautifully and healthily.
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