The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluations

By: admin May 15, 2025

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably already had your fair share of dental checkups, fluoride treatments, and tiny toothbrush battles. But here’s a question many families overlook: When should you first take your child to the orthodontist?

The answer might surprise you.

At Perkins Orthodontics in Benbrook, we recommend scheduling your child’s first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. That might sound early—especially if their teeth look “fine” to you—but early evaluations aren’t about jumping into treatment. They’re about gaining insight into how your child’s smile is developing, so we can plan smarter, not harder.

It’s Not About Braces at Age 7

Let’s be clear: Most 7-year-olds don’t walk out of their first orthodontic visit with braces.

What they do walk out with is a better chance at a balanced, healthy smile—because we’ve taken a close look at how their teeth and jaws are growing and set a path forward that considers future changes.

At this stage, your child’s mouth is a mix of baby teeth and incoming adult teeth. That gives us a unique window of opportunity to spot potential problems before they require more complex or intensive care.

Think of it like steering a car. It’s a lot easier to make small adjustments while you’re driving straight than slamming on the brakes at the last second.

What We’re Really Looking For

While every child is unique, early orthodontic evaluations help us look beyond the surface. We’re not just checking for crooked teeth—we’re evaluating how the bite functions, how the jawbones are growing, and whether the adult teeth have the space and guidance they need to come in correctly.

We may notice something subtle: a shift in the bite when they chew, an unusual eruption pattern, or early signs of crowding. Sometimes we catch things even dentists don’t, because we’re looking through a different lens—one that’s laser-focused on the structure of the bite and the future alignment of the smile.

The Real Advantages of Getting Ahead

So why does all this matter?

Because when we identify issues early, we can prevent problems from escalating. And sometimes, timing makes all the difference.

Here are just a few unique benefits of starting the conversation with an orthodontist by age 7:

1. Fewer Surprises Later

Early evaluations give parents the inside scoop on what’s coming. Will your child likely need braces in a few years? Will their jaw growth support a healthy bite? Are their habits (like mouth breathing or tongue thrusting) affecting their development? Knowing the answers early gives you options and time to plan.

2. A More Natural, Less Invasive Approach

We often hear from parents who wish they had known sooner. That’s because some orthodontic issues can be corrected more naturally while a child is still growing. For example, we may use gentle guidance techniques to influence jaw development—avoiding more invasive procedures or extractions down the road.

3. Customized Growth Monitoring

Even if your child doesn’t need immediate treatment, we’ll keep an eye on their development over time. Regular growth monitoring means that if a problem does begin to emerge, we can jump in at just the right moment—not too early, not too late.

4. Confidence in the Smile Journey

Starting early removes a lot of the guesswork. Parents feel more confident knowing there’s a game plan in place. And kids benefit too—especially when they understand what’s happening and why their smile matters.

It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

Not every child will need early treatment, and that’s okay.

Our goal is to provide a personalized, informative experience. Sometimes, our recommendation is simply to return in a year. Other times, we might suggest minor early interventions that make a major impact later—like creating space for incoming adult teeth or correcting a small bite issue before it becomes a larger one.

This is where pediatric orthodontics shines. It’s not just about treating teeth—it’s about understanding the unique timing, growth, and emotional needs of children as they develop.

When Waiting Isn’t the Best Option

There are certain signs that shouldn’t be ignored, even before age 7. If you’ve noticed any of these, it’s a good idea to come in sooner:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth

  • Difficulty chewing or biting

  • Clicking jaws or mouth breathing

  • Teeth that seem to stick out or don’t meet properly

  • Speech problems that may be tied to oral development

These aren’t just cosmetic concerns—they could point to developmental issues that may benefit from early guidance.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your child’s first orthodontic appointment isn’t scary or overwhelming. In fact, many kids think it’s fun.

At Perkins Orthodontics, we take a relaxed and friendly approach. We’ll walk you and your child through every step, explain what we’re seeing on the scans, and answer all your questions. Our goal is to be your long-term partner in creating a confident, healthy smile.

Give Your Child the Head Start They Deserve

You don’t have to wait for crowded teeth or jaw pain to show up before taking action. A simple, no-pressure visit around age 7 can give you valuable insight and peace of mind.

Whether your child ends up needing treatment now, later, or not at all, you’ll walk away informed and empowered to make the best decisions for their smile.

At Perkins Orthodontics in Benbrook, TX, we’re here to guide your family every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your child’s first orthodontic evaluation—and give them the confident, healthy smile they deserve.