Many parents assume orthodontic treatment begins in the teenage years—but did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7? At Eng Orthodontics, our doctors—Dr. Albert Eng, Dr. Ashlynn Schiro, Dr. Jared Error, and Dr. Shane Hoelz—believe early evaluations set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
Why Age 7 Is the Magic Number
By age 7, most children have a mix of baby (primary) and adult (permanent) teeth. This combination allows orthodontists to:
- Identify growth patterns early
- Spot developing bite issues
- Evaluate jaw alignment
- Predict potential crowding or spacing concerns
At this stage, our team can determine whether your child’s smile will likely self-correct with growth or benefit from early (interceptive) orthodontic treatment.
What Happens at an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
Your child’s first orthodontic visit is simple, comfortable, and informative. During the appointment, our doctors will:
- Take digital X-rays and photos
- Examine tooth eruption patterns and bite alignment
- Check for overbites, underbites, crossbites, or crowding
- Discuss your child’s growth and development
Even if no treatment is needed, these early records provide a baseline for future comparison—helping us track healthy jaw and tooth development over time.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluations
Early detection can prevent bigger problems later. Some children benefit from Phase 1 treatment, which may include expanders, limited braces, or space maintainers to:
- Guide proper jaw growth
- Create room for incoming permanent teeth
- Reduce the need for future extractions
- Improve facial symmetry and airway function
By monitoring your child’s smile early, we can plan treatment that’s simpler, faster, and more comfortable in the long run.
Q&A: Common Questions About Early Orthodontic Visits
Q: My child’s teeth look straight—do they still need an evaluation?
A: Yes! Some orthodontic problems are not visible to the naked eye. Jaw misalignment, bite irregularities, or hidden crowding can only be detected through X-rays and expert evaluation.
Q: If my child needs treatment, will they get braces right away?
A: Not necessarily. Most children only need to be monitored until their adult teeth come in. If early intervention is needed, we’ll explain why and what to expect.
Q: What’s the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?
A: Phase 1 occurs while some baby teeth remain—typically between ages 7–10—to guide growth and prevent complications. Phase 2 (comprehensive braces or aligners) occurs later, once all adult teeth have erupted.
Q: Are early orthodontic visits covered by insurance?
A: Most orthodontic consultations, including early evaluations, are covered by dental insurance. Our team will verify your benefits and explain all costs before any treatment begins.
Q: What if my child is older than 7?
A: It’s never too late! While age 7 is ideal for evaluation, orthodontic treatment can transform smiles at any age. Teens and adults benefit greatly from today’s advanced braces and clear aligner options.
Building Smiles for Life at Eng Orthodontics
At Eng Orthodontics, we make every visit positive, educational, and fun. Whether it’s your child’s first evaluation or you’re considering braces for yourself, our team is here to help every step of the way.
We proudly serve patients across Brighton, Reunion, Fort Morgan, and Arvada, Colorado, offering customized care for every age and smile.
🦷 Contact Eng Orthodontics
Brighton Office
📞 (303) 498-0351
Reunion Office
📞 (303) 498-0351
Fort Morgan Office
📞 (970) 542-2500
Arvada Office
📞 (720) 800-9331