March 17, 2025
Why the AAO Recommends Your Child's First Visit by Age 7 Table of Contents Introduction What Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation? Why Age 7? Understanding the AAO Guidelines Signs Your Child May Need an Early Orthodontic Visit Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment What Happens at the First Orthodontic Visit? Brown Family Orthodontics: Trusted Care for Over 50 Years Schedule Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit Today! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Conclusion Introduction As parents, we all want the best for our children—including a beautiful, healthy smile. But did you know your child's first orthodontic visit should happen much earlier than the teenage years? According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early checkup ensures proper jaw growth, identifies potential alignment issues, and sets the foundation for a lifetime of straight, healthy teeth. At Brown Family Orthodontics, led by Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess , we specialize in providing early smile care for children across Mississippi and Louisiana. With over 50 years of trusted, family-owned orthodontic care, our team is dedicated to offering preventive orthodontic solutions, including braces , Invisalign® and Spark Aligners to create confident smiles that last a lifetime. What Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation? An early orthodontic evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your child's dental and jaw development. At this visit, our experienced orthodontists will: Examine how your child's teeth are growing. Check for any signs of misalignment or crowding. Assess the growth of the jaw and bite alignment. Identify potential orthodontic issues before they become serious. This evaluation allows us to detect problems early and, if necessary, plan a preventive orthodontic treatment to guide jaw growth and create space for incoming teeth. Why Age 7? Understanding the AAO Guidelines The AAO recommends an orthodontic checkup by age seven because this is when children's permanent teeth begin to come in. By this age, an orthodontist can spot subtle issues that may not be visible to parents or even general dentists. Key Reasons for an Age 7 Checkup: ✔ Jaw Growth Monitoring – Early detection of an overbite, underbite, or crossbite can help prevent more complex issues later. ✔ Identifying Crowding or Spacing Issues – Some children may have too much or too little room for incoming permanent teeth. ✔ Preventing Future Dental Complications – Addressing orthodontic problems early can minimize the need for later extractions or extensive treatment. ✔ Guiding Teeth into Proper Alignment – If needed, early appliances or braces can help ensure teeth grow in the right direction. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we follow the AAO guidelines to ensure your child receives the best preventive orthodontic care possible. Signs Your Child May Need an Early Orthodontic Visit While every child's development is different, there are common signs that indicate a need for an early orthodontic checkup: 🔹 Early or late loss of baby teeth 🔹 Difficulty chewing or biting 🔹 Mouth breathing 🔹 Thumb-sucking beyond age 4 🔹 Crowded, misplaced, or protruding teeth 🔹 Jaw shifting, clicking, or asymmetry 🔹 Speech difficulties If you notice these signs, don't wait—schedule an orthodontic evaluation with Brown Family Orthodontics today! Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment Some children may not need immediate treatment, but early intervention can significantly improve the lives of those who do. Advantages of Early Treatment: ✅ Creates Space for Permanent Teeth – Helps prevent crowding or impactions. ✅ Guides Jaw Growth – Improves facial structure and prevents jaw misalignment. ✅ Reduces the Risk of Tooth Damage – Protruding front teeth are more prone to injury. ✅ Minimizes the Need for Future Extractions – Aids in natural tooth alignment. ✅ Boosts Confidence – A beautiful smile can improve a child's self-esteem and social interactions. Early treatment can often reduce the length and complexity of orthodontic care needed in the teen years. What Happens at the First Orthodontic Visit? A child's first orthodontic consultation at Brown Family Orthodontics is simple, comfortable, and informative. 🔹 Step 1: Initial Examination - Dr. Ed or Dr. Jess will carefully evaluate your child's teeth, bite, and jaw growth. 🔹 Step 2: Digital X-Rays & Imaging - We'll take X-rays or 3D scans to assess any hidden issues. 🔹 Step 3: Treatment Recommendations - We'll monitor growth if no immediate treatment is needed. If intervention is required, we'll discuss the best treatment options. 🔹 Step 4: Q&A Session – We'll answer all your questions and explain the next steps in your child's orthodontic journey. The goal is to make the visit educational, stress-free, and reassuring for both kids and parents. Brown Family Orthodontics: Trusted Care for Over 50 Years With a 5-star rating and over 150+ reviews, Brown Family Orthodontics has built a reputation for exceptional orthodontic care. We have seven convenient locations across Mississippi and Louisiana, making it easy for families to access top-tier orthodontic services. 📍 Our Locations: ✔ Chalmette – 📞 504-455-1625 ✔ Mandeville – 📞 985-626-8297 ✔ Metairie – 📞 504-455-1625 ✔ Marrero – 📞 504-455-1625 ✔ Madisonville – 📞 985-893-1044 ✔ Ocean Springs – 📞 228-872-8153 ✔ Pascagoula – 📞 228-762-4403 We offer braces, Invisalign®, Spark Aligners and personalized orthodontic care to ensure beautiful, healthy smiles for all ages. Schedule Your Child's First Orthodontic Visit Today! If your child is around age 7, now is the perfect time to schedule their first orthodontic evaluation. Early care can improve their dental health and confidence. 📞 Call your nearest Brown Family Orthodontics location or click HERE to schedule a consultation today! A lifetime of healthy, confident smiles starts early—let's take the first step together! Conclusion Your child's smile is a vital part of their health and confidence, and early orthodontic evaluations play a key role in ensuring proper jaw growth, alignment, and long-term dental health. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a checkup by age 7, and at Brown Family Orthodontics, we are committed to providing expert care tailored to each child's needs. With over 50 years of trusted, family-owned experience, Dr. Ed and Dr. Jess offer high-quality orthodontic treatments, including braces and Invisalign®, across seven convenient locations in Mississippi and Louisiana. Whether your child needs early intervention or just monitoring, our goal is to help them achieve a healthy, confident smile for life. Don't wait—schedule your child's first orthodontic visit today! Call your nearest Brown Family Orthodontics location or click HERE to get started. A brighter, healthier smile begins with early care—let's take the first step together! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Will my child need braces after their first visit? Not necessarily! The first visit is primarily an evaluation to monitor growth. If treatment is needed, we'll discuss the best approach. What is the best age for braces? While braces are often placed between ages 10 and 14, early intervention (if needed) can make later treatment shorter and more effective. How long does an early orthodontic consultation take? A typical consultation lasts about 30-45 minutes and includes an exam, imaging, and discussion of treatment options. Does my child need a referral from a dentist? No referral is required! Parents can schedule an appointment directly with us. Does insurance cover early orthodontic evaluations? Many dental insurance plans cover orthodontic evaluations. We can help check your benefits and discuss flexible payment options.
