As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health — and that includes their smile. But when it comes to orthodontics, many parents aren’t sure when to schedule that first visit. At Weeks Orthodontics in Winter Springs and Oviedo, we follow the guidelines set by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), which recommends every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Why Age 7? Understanding Early Orthodontic Evaluation
By age 7, your child has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which gives Dr. Weeks a clear window to identify potential issues before they become more complex. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment — in many cases, we simply monitor your child’s development and recommend the ideal time to begin.
Issues we can identify early include:
- Crowding — not enough room for permanent teeth to come in properly
- Crossbite — upper teeth sit inside lower teeth, which can cause uneven jaw growth
- Protruding front teeth — increased risk of injury during sports and play
- Jaw growth discrepancies — upper and lower jaws growing at different rates
- Thumb-sucking effects — habits that may be reshaping the palate
What Is Phase 1 (Early) Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment, also called interceptive orthodontics, typically begins between ages 7-10 while a child still has some baby teeth. The goal isn’t necessarily to create a perfect smile at this stage — it’s to address specific developmental issues that could lead to more extensive treatment later.
Common Phase 1 treatments include:
- Palatal expanders — gently widen the upper jaw to create room for permanent teeth
- Partial braces — correct specific alignment issues on front teeth
- Space maintainers — hold space open when baby teeth are lost prematurely
- Habit appliances — help children stop thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting
After Phase 1, most children enter a resting period where we monitor growth. If needed, Phase 2 treatment (full braces or Invisalign®) begins once all permanent teeth have erupted, typically between ages 11-14.
Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Attention
While a professional evaluation is the only way to know for sure, watch for these signs that your child may benefit from seeing an orthodontist:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Teeth that are visibly crowded or crooked
- Jaws that click, pop, or shift to one side
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth frequently
- Teeth that don’t come together normally (or at all) when the mouth closes
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
At Weeks Orthodontics, we make every child’s first visit fun and stress-free. Here’s what a typical first appointment looks like:
- Warm welcome — our family-friendly team puts both kids and parents at ease
- Digital scans — quick, comfortable 3D scans of your child’s teeth (no gooey impressions)
- Evaluation — Dr. Weeks examines tooth alignment, jaw development, and bite
- Discussion — we share our findings and recommendations in clear, parent-friendly language
- Plan — whether it’s treatment now, monitoring, or a future plan, you’ll leave with clarity
The entire visit typically takes about 30-45 minutes, and there’s absolutely no cost or obligation. We believe every child deserves access to a professional orthodontic evaluation.
How Much Does Children’s Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
We understand that cost is a major concern for families. At Weeks Orthodontics, we work hard to make treatment affordable through flexible payment plans, insurance coordination, and family discounts. Visit our insurance and payment options page for details.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment for children, and we’ll help you maximize your benefits.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Evaluation Today
Don’t wait until your child’s smile problems become bigger (and more expensive) to fix. Book a free consultation at our Winter Springs or Oviedo office, or call (407) 699-1102. Early evaluation is the smartest investment you can make in your child’s smile.
