When Should Kids See the Orthodontist?
As a parent, you’re used to keeping an eye on your child’s health, but what about their bite, jaw alignment, or developing teeth? While many people think orthodontics is only for teens, the truth is that early evaluations can play a major role in long-term oral health. At Sun Dental, we’re here to help parents understand when and why your child might need to see an orthodontist.
When Should Kids First See the Orthodontist?
The Canadian and American Associations of Orthodontists both recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, most kids still have baby teeth, but enough adult teeth have emerged to start identifying potential concerns.
You don’t need a referral to see an orthodontist, but your family dentist (like us!) can help identify early warning signs and recommend trusted specialists in our network.
Why So Early?
Orthodontic issues aren’t always obvious. Some of the problems we can spot early include:
🦷 Crowding or spacing issues
😬 Crossbite, overbite, or underbite
👄 Early or late loss of baby teeth
👍 Prolonged thumb-sucking habits
🗣 Speech difficulties related to jaw alignment
🪥 Trouble chewing or biting
By identifying these concerns early, orthodontists can sometimes use interceptive treatment to guide proper jaw growth or create space, potentially reducing the need for future extractions or more invasive procedures.
Signs Your Child Might Need Braces
Even if your child is older than 7, you might notice signs like:
Teeth that are crooked or overlapping
Difficulty cleaning between teeth
Clicking jaws
Mouth breathing or snoring
Bite misalignment that affects chewing
What Happens at the First Visit?
A first orthodontic evaluation is typically gentle and non-invasive. It may include:
A review of your child’s dental and health history
A clinical exam
Photos or X-rays to assess tooth and jaw development
A discussion about whether any action is needed now—or if it’s best to monitor and check in later
Sometimes the best first step is a “watch and wait” approach until the child is older or all adult teeth have erupted.
How Sun Dental Can Help
At Sun Dental, our team is experienced in identifying early signs of orthodontic concerns. If your child needs a referral, we’ll connect you with trusted local orthodontists and provide ongoing support throughout their smile journey.
📍Book a pediatric dental appointment with us today and let’s make sure their smile is developing just right!
📞 Call us at 403-327-3410
🦷 Sun Dental Lethbridge