We looked back on our Month of Smiles at 7 outreach and sat down with Dr. Dave of Stellar Orthodontics to discuss why the age-seven checkup matters. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age seven—not because every child needs braces, but because an early assessment lets specialists spot growth patterns and intervene at the right time to prevent more complex problems later.
“Early evaluation is low-risk and high-reward.”
Why age seven?
At about seven years old, a child’s facial bones are still growing and the mid-palatal suture (the joint in the roof of the mouth) is often not fully fused. That makes it a prime time to guide development:
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Guiding bone growth can reduce the severity and complexity of future orthodontic treatment.
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Early interventions (like expansion) can create space to avoid impactions or the need for surgical procedures later.
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Addressing habits (thumb sucking) or protruding teeth early reduces the risk of trauma and long-term issues.
“By influencing growth while bones are still malleable, we can often avoid surgical expansions or extractions.”
What early treatment can fix
Dr. Dave explains that interceptive care can address issues that become harder to treat if delayed:
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Narrow palate / crowding: Early expansion creates room and can prevent impacted canines.
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Protruding front teeth: Reduces trauma risk from falls or sports.
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Oral habits: Stopping thumb-sucking early prevents open bites and altered arch shape.
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Airway development: Expanding the maxilla can increase nasal volume and improve airflow, benefiting breathing and sleep.
“Expanding the palate increases nasal volume and airflow—helping breathing as well as bite.”
Orthodontist vs. general dentist: what’s different?
Orthodontists complete extra years of specialty training focused on growth, tooth sequence, and occlusion. During an early evaluation, an orthodontist will measure growth patterns, interpret X-rays with an eye for future developmental issues, and advise whether treatment is needed now or if monitoring is best.
How early treatment reduces invasive procedures
Treating younger patients takes advantage of natural growth. Procedures that might require surgery or extractions in adults can often be avoided when gentle skeletal changes are made early—resulting in less discomfort and simpler long-term care.
What to expect at your child’s first orthodontic visit
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Exam: Extraoral and intraoral assessment (visual checks and basic measurements).
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Imaging review: X-rays and growth evaluation when indicated.
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Discussion: A clear explanation of findings and whether immediate treatment, monitoring, or no action is recommended.
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Plan: If intervention is needed, you’ll hear about the type of appliance (expander, habit appliance, braces, or aligner options), estimated timeline (often a year for phase-1 treatment), and the follow-up schedule.
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Monitoring: If not ready now, most kids are seen every six months so clinicians can start treatment at the ideal time.
Is my child a candidate for aligners?
Dr. Dave notes that aligners are an option for some kids—but success often depends on responsibility and compliance. When both braces and aligners are viable, the family’s lifestyle and commitment help determine the best choice.
Final thoughts
Early orthodontic evaluation is not about rushing into treatment it’s about informed timing. A single check at age seven can identify opportunities to simplify future care, prevent more invasive procedures, and improve airway and facial development.
“Even if treatment isn’t needed right away, monitoring lets us time interventions perfectly and often simplifies future care.”
Ready to schedule an early eval?
If you’d like your child evaluated as part of Smiles at 7, book an appointment with our office today. Early checks give you peace of mind and help ensure the best long-term outcomes for your child’s smile!