The most common questions we hear from parents are, “When should my child see an orthodontist?” and “What is a Palatal Expander?” 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
Quick Note: Do not forget to watch our clinical video series on the bottom of this page. (click here to go to videos) . See how we handle early treatment and pediatric orthodontics right here in our office.
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: What Is a Palatal Expander?
A palatal expander is one of the most common and effective tools in early orthodontic treatment. It is specifically designed to address a “narrow” jaw by gently widening it to create a healthier, more functional smile.
Why Do Kids Need an Expander?
The upper jaw is actually made of two separate halves that don’t fully fuse until after puberty. This creates a “window of opportunity” during childhood to guide growth comfortably and effectively. An expander is typically used to:
- Correct a Crossbite: When the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, it can cause the jaw to shift to one side, leading to permanent facial asymmetry if left untreated.
- Relieve Crowding: By widening the jaw, we create more “real estate” for permanent teeth to erupt naturally, often reducing the need for tooth extractions later.
- Improve Breathing: In many cases, widening the palate also widens the nasal floor, which can help improve airflow and respiratory function.
Timing is Everything
Because we are working with the jaw’s natural growth plates, the best results happen while a child is still growing. An evaluation by age 7 is recommended to determine if an expander could simplify or even prevent more intensive treatment in the teenage years.
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 one of the highest-ranked 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.
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 around age 7 and up.
Q: Do I need a referral from my pediatric dentist or general dentist to book an orthodontic evaluation?
A: No referral is necessary! While we love working closely with your family dentist, you do not need a referral to schedule a consultation with us. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic checkup around age 7. Whether you’ve noticed a specific issue or just want peace of mind, you can book your evaluation directly with our team at any time.
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Hear From Our Happy Patients!
Absolutely outstanding experience! We came here on our child’s dentist’s recommendation, and wow! what an incredible choice! Dr. Assefnia is amazing. His calm, confident approach and genuine attention to each patient’s needs, wants, and concerns truly set him apart. He even offers help on his day off, that level of dedication is rare!
And Bob, the office manager, is phenomenal. He’s professional, warm, incredibly knowledgeable, and always goes above and beyond to make sure we understand every step of the treatment.
The best part? My child’s treatment is already showing remarkable results in such a short time! I couldn’t be happier. I will absolutely be recommending Super Orthodontist to all my friends and family. This place is the real deal!
My son has been with Dr. Assefnia since last November. After searching meticulously for an Orthodontist, which can be quite a daunting task, I was so happy to have found Dr. Assefnia and his great team of staff. They are all so warm and welcoming. The facility has the latest cutting edge technology, super fast and efficient. Dr. Assefnia is great with kids always makes my son feel comfortable. Dr. Assefnia makes going to the ortho feel super easy for my teenage son. He explains what he’s going to do step by step, when you have your first consultation with him, so you know what to expect. They are very professional and even hand you all the info about any problems or solutions for dealing with braces. You can rest assured, you will be in good capable hands with Dr. Assefnia. He earned the title of Super Orthodontics.
As a general dentist and a mom when my 8 years old son needed braces, I trusted Dr Amir with his care. My son went thru phase one with Dr Amir. Every visit was fun and my son looked forward in seeing him. Dr Amir is very kind and has a great sense of humor . We had a fantastic experience and Results were excellent! He is forever my family orthodontist!
As a parent, finding the right orthodontist for my children was a top priority, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Amir Assefnia as our family’s trusted orthodontic partner. Over the years, my admiration for his work has only deepened, and I strongly recommend his services to all parents and anyone seeking exceptional orthodontic care.
His warmth and approachability immediately put my children at ease, turning what could be an intimidating experience into one filled with comfort and understanding. He discusses treatment plans thoroughly, ensuring that both parents and children are informed every step of the way. The trust he has built with our family over the years is truly invaluable. In recommending Dr. Amir Assefnia’s services, I believe that every child deserves the gift of a confident smile. His expertise and compassionate approach make him the ideal choice for families seeking a nurturing and skilled orthodontist. Thank you, Dr. Amir Assefnia!
So glad I stumbled upon Super Orthodontics Dr. Amir is truly one of the best orthodontists!! He’s very kind, caring and pays great attention to detail.10/10 would recommend.
Having known Dr. Amir Assefnia for many years, I can definitely say that he is the epitome of excellence in orthodontic care! I am not only a testament to his exceptional work, but I am also an advocate, recommending his services to everyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy orthodontist.
Dr. Amir Assefnia’s commitment to his craft is evident from the moment you step into his practice. His extensive experience and dedication to patient care make him a standout professional in the field. He transforms smiles with precision and artistry! Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Amir Assefnia fosters a welcoming atmosphere in his practice. His entire staff reflects his commitment to patient-centric care, making each visit a positive and personalized experience.
I have recommended Dr. Amir Assefnia’s services to friends, family, and colleagues, and the feedback has consistently mirrored my own positive experiences. If you are looking for the best orthodontist to get your dream smile, Dr. Amir Assefnia is the orthodontist you can trust to deliver exceptional results.
Dr Amir Assefnia is the best orthodontist! I would’ve started my braces way earlier if I came across him sooner! Super happy with my results 😁. Highly recommend!
Best orthodontist! Great “bedside manner” Dr. Amir explains everything very well and gives us time to ask questions. Dr Amir treated both my kids and myself on our braces journey, and he made it pleasant and comfortable as can be. Thank you, Dr. Amir, for giving us a great smile! I would highly recommend Dr. Amir.