What Age Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

One of the most common questions we hear from parents is, “When should my child see an orthodontist?” It’s a topic that sparks confusion, uncertainty, and often gets overlooked until problems become visible. In this blog, we’ll clear up the confusion and explain why timing matters, what happens at that first visit, and how early intervention can make a world of difference for your child’s smile and health. Most importantly, we’ll answer a critical part of this conversation—what kind of dental professional your child should see for an orthodontic evaluation, and why not all providers are equally trained for this kind of care.

Expert Guidance from Board-Certified Orthodontist and UCLA Clinical Faculty, Dr. Amir Assefnia

Q: What Is the Recommended Age for a First Orthodontic Visit?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7. At this stage, bite and jaw issues can be detected early—even if baby teeth are still present.

“By age 7, enough permanent teeth have emerged for an orthodontist to evaluate relationships developing between the teeth, jaw, and bite.”
— American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)

Early orthodontic evaluation is not just helpful—it can be critical. Many alignment, jaw, and bite issues begin developing long before they become visible or symptomatic. By acting early, you can dramatically reduce the chances of complex treatments or complications later. If your child is around age 7 and hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, now is the time to schedule an evaluation. At Super Orthodontics, we offer Free Orthodontic Evaluation and Consultation for children around 7 years of age.

Q: What Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?

Your child’s first visit is gentle, thorough, and completely pain-free. At Super Orthodontics, we believe in making the experience both informative and fun!

Here’s what you can expect:

• A full clinical examination of your child’s bite, jaw alignment, and facial symmetry
• Safe digital imaging using the most advanced technologies to assess tooth development, root positions, and jaw structure from multiple angles
• If needed, a 3D digital scan using an intraoral scanner—no goop, no discomfort
• Evaluation for signs of crowding, spacing, bite irregularities, or habits like thumb-sucking
• A comprehensive and friendly conversation to explain all the findings and next steps.

All imaging tools are child-safe and non-invasive. There are no needles, drills, or discomfort involved in this evaluation. Most importantly, your child will feel at ease in our comfortable, kid-friendly office.

Q: What Can an Orthodontist Detect at Your Child’s Orthodontic Visit?

At Super Orthodontics, we perform a comprehensive and child-friendly evaluation to check for:

• Crowding or spacing
• Crossbites, underbites, or overbites
• Jaw growth imbalances
• Thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting habits
• Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth
• Impacted teeth or abnormal eruption patterns

Even if your child’s teeth look fine, problems with growth and alignment may be developing under the surface.

Q: Does a Check-Up Mean My Child Will Get Braces?

Not at all. In fact, most kids are simply placed in our free growth monitoring program. We only recommend treatment if we detect an issue that could benefit from early intervention.

For the smaller percentage who do need help early, a Phase 1 treatment may be recommended. A Phase 1 treatment can:

• Guide jaw development
• Create space for permanent teeth
• Prevent impactions or future extractions
• Improve bite function
• Reduce the need for surgery or complex treatment later

Q: What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase 1 treatment is done between ages 7–10 and focuses on skeletal and bite correction, not just teeth straightening.

Treatment may involve:

• Expanders
• Space maintainers
• Functional appliances
• Partial braces

Phase 2, which involves full braces or Invisalign, usually starts in the early teen years or later. However, not every child who undergoes Phase 1 treatment will require a second phase. In many cases, early intervention in Phase 1 can correct growth problems so effectively that Phase 2 becomes unnecessary or significantly shorter and simpler. For those who do move on to Phase 2, treatment focuses more on the final alignment and aesthetics of the permanent teeth.

Q: Can My General Dentist Tell Me If My Child Needs Braces?

This is a very common (and understandable) question. While many responsible general dentists or pediatric dentists may notice early signs of orthodontic issues and refer your child to an orthodontist, they are not trained specialists in orthodontics.

It’s important to ensure that the actual evaluation is conducted by an orthodontist (preferably a Board-Certified Orthodontist). Orthodontists are uniquely trained to analyze jaw growth, bite function, and tooth alignment in ways general dentists may not. That’s why early care from an orthodontist can make all the difference in outcomes and long-term success.

“Only an orthodontist has the additional training and experience to diagnose and treat alignment and bite issues correctly.”
— American Dental Association (ADA)

Board certification is the highest level of achievement in orthodontics, awarded by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). It involves passing a rigorous written and clinical exam and presenting treated cases for review. Less than 40% of orthodontists complete this process.

“Board certification demonstrates the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.”
— American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)

At Super Orthodontics, all children’s orthodontic evaluations are personally performed by Dr. Amir Assefnia, a Board-Certified Orthodontist and UCLA Clinical Faculty. This hands-on approach reflects our commitment to excellence, precision, and the highest standard of care for your child.

Q: Are There Warning Signs That My Child Needs an Orthodontic Visit Sooner?

Yes. Schedule a visit earlier than age 7 if you notice:

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Speech issues
• Jaws that click, pop, or shift
• Teeth that protrude or overlap
• Thumb-sucking past age 5
• Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth

Q: Why Choose Super Orthodontics for Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation?

Dr. Amir Assefnia is a Board-Certified Orthodontist, clinical faculty at UCLA, and among the top Orthodontists nationwide. With years of advanced training and a deep commitment to excellence, Dr. Amir Assefnia has successfully treated thousands of children, teens, and adults throughout his career. His expertise spans everything from early intervention pediatric orthodontics to complex bite  and jaw correction, and his compassionate, patient-centered approach has earned him the trust of families and referring dentists alike.

Parents across Encino and the San Fernando Valley trust him for his honest and high-quality care, his exceptional academic and clinical background, and his leadership in adopting the most advanced orthodontic technologies. Dr. Amir Assefnia is recognized not only for delivering outstanding results but also for making treatment faster, more comfortable, and more precise for every patient.

At Super Orthodontics, we offer personalized orthodontic care designed to meet your specific needs. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Amir Assefnia today and take the first step toward achieving a healthier more confident smile for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
A: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends age 7, even if baby teeth are still present.

Q: Do all 7-year-olds need braces?
A: Not at all. Most children are only monitored unless early treatment is necessary.

Q: Can a dentist tell me if my child needs braces?
A: They can spot some issues, but only orthodontists are trained to diagnose jaw and growth patterns. No referral is needed.

Q: What is Phase 1 treatment?
A: Phase 1 treatment is early intervention (ages 7–10) to guide jaw growth and avoid more complex problems later.

Q: Is the consultation free?
A: Yes—our orthodontic evaluations are 100% free for children age 7 and up.