At What Age Should My Child Get an Orthodontic Consultation?

As a parent, you may wonder when the right time is to take your child to an orthodontist. Should you wait until all their permanent teeth come in, or should you schedule a visit earlier?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by age 7—even if there are no visible issues. Early evaluations help prevent future complications, reduce treatment time, and ensure a properly aligned smile.

Why Should a Child See an Orthodontist at Age 7?

By age 7, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing an orthodontist to spot early signs of misalignment, bite issues, and jaw growth problems.

An early consultation helps detect:

✅ Crowding or spacing issues – Are teeth too close together or far apart?
✅ Jaw misalignment – Is the upper or lower jaw growing unevenly?
✅ Bite problems – Overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites.
✅ Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrust habits – These can affect jaw development.
✅ Early or late loss of baby teeth – Can lead to alignment issues.

Not all kids need braces at age 7, but early detection allows orthodontists to monitor growth and create a treatment plan if needed.

Signs That Your Child May Need Braces

If you notice any of the following, it’s best to schedule an orthodontic visit sooner:

✔ Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
✔ Difficulty chewing or biting food
✔ Mouth breathing (which affects jaw development)
✔ Protruding front teeth (risk of injury)
✔ A misaligned jaw (clicking, shifting, or pain when opening/closing)
✔ Frequent thumb sucking past age 5
✔ Speech difficulties related to teeth alignment

What Happens During the First Orthodontic Consultation?

A first orthodontic visit is quick and painless. The orthodontist will:

🔹 Examine your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw alignment
🔹 Take X-rays or digital scans if necessary
🔹 Determine if treatment is needed now or if monitoring is best
🔹 Discuss treatment options, timelines, and costs if necessary

If everything looks normal, they may suggest monitoring your child’s growth with periodic checkups. If early treatment is needed, they may recommend Phase 1 orthodontics to guide proper development.

Types of Orthodontic Treatment for Kids

Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 Treatment

Some children benefit from two-phase orthodontic treatment to correct issues as they grow.

Phase 1 (Early Intervention) – Ages 7–10

👶 Focuses on guiding jaw growth and fixing bite issues while baby teeth are still present.
🦷 Common treatments: Palatal expanders, space maintainers, habit correction appliances, or partial braces.

Phase 2 (Full Braces) – Ages 11–15

👦 Done once all permanent teeth have erupted.
🦷 This is when most kids get full braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign) to straighten their teeth completely.

Not all children need Phase 1 treatment, but early consultations help determine the best course of action.

Cost of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment costs vary based on the complexity and type of braces used. Here’s a breakdown of average costs in NZD ( New Zealand Dollars).:

🚨 Tip: Many orthodontists and dentists offer payment plans or financing options to make treatment more affordable.

Is It Too Late to Start Orthodontic Treatment?

No! It’s never too late for an orthodontic consultation. While early intervention can reduce the need for extensive treatments, many kids (and even adults) get braces later. If your child is older than 7 and hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, scheduling a visit sooner rather than later is still beneficial.

Final Verdict: When Should You Take Your Child to an Orthodontist?

✔ By Age 7 – Recommended for early detection of alignment issues.
✔ Sooner if you notice problems – Crowding, bite issues, mouth breathing, or thumb sucking.
✔ Between Ages 10–14 – Most common time to start full braces.
✔ It’s never too late – Older kids and teens can still benefit from treatment.

Early orthodontic visits can prevent future complications, reduce treatment time, and ensure a healthy, beautiful smile for your child.

💬 At what age did your child first visit an orthodontist? Share your experience in the comments!