Smiles at 7: Why Age Seven is the Right Time for Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit

At what age should your child have their first orthodontic visit? If you guessed “when all their baby teeth fall out,” you’re not alone, but that’s too late! The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids have their first orthodontic check-up by age seven. This coincides when the first permanent teeth are erupting, so they will actually have mostly baby teeth present for this first (free!) exam. 

To anyone outside the field, age seven might seem a little early – especially if everything looks fine on the outside, but that’s exactly why this early check-in matters: our team at Lincoln Orthodontics are specialists and experts at recognizing problems as they develop. Using the advanced technology of our 3D X-Rays and a comprehensive intraoral exam, we can identify issues early and make steps to mitigate the problems, making a big difference down the road.

Back in the day, people assumed they should wait until all of the baby teeth are gone before they saw an orthodontist, but that old philosophy usually resulted in more permanent tooth extractions completed because of lack of space. Orthodontists are looking at the big picture now and Dr. Emily Willett is specifically trained in proactive and preventative methods.

Why Seven?

By age seven, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which gives our expert team an idea of how your child’s mouth is developing. We can most importantly identify potential issues with jaw growth, bite alignment, crowding, spacing, and other concerns like how the airway will be affected. Some problems are best addressed early, while others can wait but it’s our specialty to discuss this! Either way, the first visit is all about getting the right information and creating a personalized plan that is the best fit for your child. Typically, this doesn’t mean jumping straight into treatment. 

What We’re Looking For

During that first visit, Dr. Willett will assess:

• How the upper and lower jaws fit together
• If there’s enough space for incoming adult teeth
• Signs of crowding, crossbites, or overbites
• Habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing that might affect jaw development

We may take a few photos or X-rays to get the full picture, but this consultation is easy and totally painless. Our goal is to explain the what and why and to aim for understanding.

What Happens Next?

Most kids won’t need treatment right away. Often, we’ll just check in once or twice a year to track changes in growth and development. But if early treatment is needed, starting at the right time can:

• Guide jaw growth for a healthier bite
• Make room for crowded teeth
• Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding teeth
• Potentially shorten (or even avoid) later treatment

No Referral Required

You don’t need a referral from your dentist to schedule your child’s first orthodontic visit—just give us a call! We love meeting curious young minds and helping parents feel ready about what’s next. Give us a call at (402) 489- 8841 to get your child started. We are here to help build health, happy smiles for life.