What's the Best Age for my Child's First Orthodontist Visit?

What's the Best Age for my Child's First Orthodontist Visit?

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Dr. Karen Conn of Bryn Mawr Orthodontics explains why early orthodontic evaluation is crucial for optimal dental development and long-term oral health.

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Many parents wonder about the best time for their child's first visit with an orthodontist.  Early assessment is crucial for detecting and addressing potential orthodontic issues, leading to shorter treatment times and better long-term oral health.

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Orthodontist Visit by Age 7: The AAO Recommendation

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The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children undergo their initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7.  This guideline is based on the typical development of the first permanent molars and incisors, enabling a thorough assessment of their bite (occlusion).

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Key Aspects of the Initial Orthodontic Evaluation

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During the initial consultation, the orthodontist will assess several critical aspects of your child's oral development, including:

• Skeletal Assessment: Evaluation of the relationship between the maxillary and mandibular jaws.  Early detection of skeletal discrepancies, such as crossbites or significant overjets, can facilitate timely intervention.
• Dental Eruption Patterns: Monitoring the eruption sequence of permanent teeth to identify potential crowding, ectopic eruption, or impacted teeth.
• Identification of Orthodontic Concerns: Detection of conditions that may require intervention, including:
  • Severe dental crowding
  • Open bites
  • Crossbites
  • Underbites
  • Habits (e.g., thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing)

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Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation

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While many evaluations do not lead to immediate treatment, early assessment is crucial for identifying and addressing specific orthodontic issues that benefit significantly from intervention prior to the teenage years.

• Guidance of Skeletal Growth: Orthodontic intervention can guide jaw growth to facilitate the correction of skeletal imbalances, bite discrepancies, and facial asymmetries, thereby minimizing the risk of future orthognathic surgery.
• Habit Intervention: Addressing parafunctional habits can mitigate their adverse effects on dental alignment and skeletal changes.
• Potential Reduction in Treatment Complexity: Early intervention may reduce the need for future complex treatments, such as extractions, exposures and orthognathic surgery.
• Potential Reduction in Treatment Duration: In certain cases, early intervention can contribute to a shorter overall treatment period.
• Improved Esthetics: Early intervention can contribute to improved facial and dental esthetics, contributing to increased patient confidence.

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The Initial Consultation Process

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The initial orthodontic consultation typically involves:

• A comprehensive clinical examination;
• Radiographic imaging (e.g., panoramic radiographs, cephalometric radiographs, or a CBCT);
• Photographic documentation of the teeth and face;
• 3D digital scan of the teeth;
• A discussion of the findings and treatment recommendations;

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Scheduling an Orthodontic Evaluation

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Schedule an orthodontic evaluation for your child by age 7 for timely assessment and planning, promoting a lifetime of optimal oral health and aesthetics. If your child is older than age 7, it's still beneficial to schedule an evaluation as soon as possible to capture the advantages of earlier intervention. Parents are always encouraged to consult with their child’s dentist and a board-certified orthodontist to determine the best treatment plan for their child.

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Karen Conn, DMD, MS is a Board-certified orthodontist and co-owner of Bryn Mawr Orthodontics (Bryn Mawr, PA), where she specializes in Invisalign and braces for children, teens and adults.  She has been recognized as a Philadelphia Magazine Top Dentist, Main Line Today Top Dentist, Suburban Family Top Orthodontist, and is among the nation’s top 1% of Invisalign providers.  Dr. Conn received her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.  She completed her residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Temple University, where she also earned a master's degree in Oral Biology.

Bryn Mawr Orthodontics is an award-winning practice that was voted the Best Orthodontist in The Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2024 Philly Favorites contest.  Bryn Mawr Orthodontics serves its neighbors in Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Villanova, Ardmore, Haverford, Wynnewood, Narberth, Radnor, Penn Valley, Bala Cynwyd, Merion, Wayne, and the entire Main Line.

To learn more about Bryn Mawr Orthodontics, visit https://www.brynmawrorthodontics.com/.  Contact the office today (484-383-0055) or complete this form to schedule a free consultation.