Early Intervention Orthodontics: Why Age 7 Might Be the Magic Number

When should your child first visit an orthodontist? Many parents assume orthodontic care begins in the teenage years when adult teeth have fully emerged. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get their first orthodontic evaluation by seven years of age. This milestone age provides a window for identifying and fixing potential issues before they develop into complex problems.

 

At Taft Hill Orthodontics, we recognize the importance of early intervention in creating healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. Our specialized orthodontic team has extensive training in identifying developmental issues at their earliest stages. Early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need immediate treatment, but it provides an opportunity to monitor growth patterns and plan for the most effective care when the time is right.

The Significance of Age 7 for Orthodontic Screening

Age seven represents a critical developmental milestone in your child’s oral health journey. At this stage, several important changes are occurring:

 

The first permanent molars have typically erupted, establishing the back bite and allowing orthodontists to evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. These “6-year molars” provide valuable information about your child’s bite development.

 

The front permanent incisors have usually emerged or are beginning to emerge. This combination of baby and permanent teeth creates a mixed dentition phase that offers unique diagnostic opportunities. During this time, orthodontists can:

 

• Detect abnormal jaw growth patterns
• Identify potential crowding issues
• Spot crossbites, overbites, or underbites in their early stages
• Evaluate the impact of any oral habits, such as thumb-sucking

 

This transitional period provides a perfect window for orthodontists to predict how the mouth will develop as more permanent teeth emerge.

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention

Early orthodontic screening provides numerous advantages that may not be possible with later intervention. When issues are identified and addressed at age seven, we can:

 

• Guide jaw growth to create better relationships between the upper and lower jaws
• Create room for crowded teeth before they fully erupt
• Reduce injury risk to protruding front teeth
• Preserve space for permanent teeth that haven’t yet emerged
• Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
• Correct harmful oral habits before they cause significant problems
• Improve your child’s appearance and boost self-confidence during formative years

 

Early intervention enables us to work with your child’s natural growth patterns rather than against them, often resulting in less extensive treatment later on.

Common Conditions That Benefit From Early Treatment

Early orthodontic intervention is particularly valuable for addressing several specific conditions. When identified around age seven, these issues can often be corrected more easily and effectively:

 

• Crossbites: When upper teeth fit inside lower teeth, causing potential jaw growth problems and uneven tooth wear
• Severe crowding: Which may require palatal expansion to create adequate space
• Protruding front teeth: Which face is at a higher risk of injury, and can affect a child’s self-esteem
• Open bites: Where the front teeth don’t meet when the back teeth are closed together
• Deep bites: Where the upper teeth completely cover the lower teeth when biting
• Underbites: When the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, potentially causing facial imbalance

 

Not every orthodontic issue requires immediate treatment at age 7. In many cases, our orthodontists may simply recommend monitoring your child’s development with periodic check-ups until the timing is right for intervention.

The Two-Phase Approach to Orthodontic Treatment

For some children, early orthodontic screening leads to what we call two-phase treatment. This approach involves:

Phase One (Early Interceptive Treatment)

This initial phase typically occurs between ages seven and ten and focuses on guiding jaw development to accommodate permanent teeth and the connection between the upper and lower jaws. Treatment might include palatal expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers.

After Phase One, we enter a resting period where the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt naturally. During this time, we monitor growth and development with periodic check-ups.

Phase Two

The second phase usually begins once most or all permanent teeth have emerged. This phase focuses on the precise positioning of all teeth with full braces or aligners to create an optimal bite and a beautiful smile.

This two-phase approach reduces treatment time with full braces later on and may prevent the need for more invasive procedures like extractions or jaw surgery.

 

What Can You Expect at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?

At Taft Hill Orthodontics, we strive to make your child’s first orthodontic visit comfortable and informative. During this initial appointment, we will:

 

• Take photographs and possibly X-rays to evaluate dental development
• Conduct an examination of your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite
• Discuss any findings and potential concerns
• Answer your questions about potential treatment options and timing
• Create a customized plan for monitoring or addressing your child’s specific needs

 

Our goal is to partner with you in ensuring your child develops a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Taking the First Step Toward Your Child’s Optimal Smile

Early orthodontic intervention at age seven provides a valuable opportunity to identify and address developing issues before they become more complex. Dr. T.C. Hardy and Dr. Peterson provide state-of-the-art care in a comfortable setting. In addition, they commit 100% of their practice time to those specific needs and to corresponding continuing education that will keep them ahead of the game. 

To schedule your child’s orthodontic evaluation, call our office at 303-532-5503 (Longmont), 970-980-2145 (Fort Collins), 970-744-4001 (Loveland), or 970-415-8581 (Greeley) or complete our contact form.