It might seem surprising, but the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see a pediatric orthodontist by age 7. At this age, even though many baby teeth are still present, it’s still the perfect time to evaluate just how healthily your child’s smile is developing.
But does that mean your child will need braces at age 7? Not necessarily! Early evaluations are about being proactive—not about jumping into treatment right away.
TL;DR: When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the orthodontist?
- The AAO recommends scheduling your child’s first orthodontist appointment at age 7.
- Early evaluations allow orthodontists to catch developing issues before they become complex.
- Braces at age 7 aren’t always necessary—but when they are, it can make treatment easier and shorter.
- Kids can choose Invisalign First® (for kids) with Dr. Andrews!
- Kids who aren’t ready for treatment yet, get to join our free Fins & Grins Kids Club for regular smile check-ins.
Looking for a kids orthodontist near you? We proudly serve Augusta and Grovetown families!
Can a 7 year old get braces or Invisalign?
Yes, a 7-year-old can receive orthodontic treatment—depending on their specific smile needs. But keep in mind, treatment at this age doesn’t always mean a full orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, a simple appliance, like a palatal expander, is enough to help guide healthy growth.
Invisalign First is also an excellent option for gentle palate expansion. Dr. Andrews may even recommend the new Invisalign Palate Expander for your child!
Why would braces at age 7 or 8 be recommended?
Around age 7, the central incisors (the front top and bottom teeth) usually begin to erupt. With this mix of baby and permanent teeth, known as “mixed dentition,” Dr. Andrews can identify emerging orthodontic issues with ease.
Not every child needs early intervention, but those who do can benefit greatly! During this stage, Dr. Andrews can work with your child’s natural growth and development to correct these issues as they emerge:
- Crowding or spacing problems
- Bite misalignments (like crossbites or underbites)
- Jaw growth issues
- Problems with chewing, speech, or facial development
Without early detection, these conditions can worsen over time—leading to more complex, time-consuming, and costly treatments later on.
At our orthodontic office in Grovetown and Augusta, we use early orthodontic evaluations to monitor your child’s smile health and create a personalized treatment plan (if needed) so their smile can grow healthily and happily.
How Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Early orthodontic treatment may include appliances such as:
- Invisalign First – these are clear aligners specially-designed to work with mixed dentition. Dr. Andrews is highly-experienced in using these aligners to correct even complex cases!
- Space maintainers – to hold room for adult teeth
- Palatal expanders – to widen a narrow upper jaw
- Braces – if your child prefers a more traditional treatment option (with us, Invisalign and braces are the same price too!)
These tools gently guide your child’s jaw and teeth into healthy alignment while your child is still growing, making their treatment smoother, more comfortable, and more efficient!
What Happens at the First Orthodontist Appointment?
If you’re wondering what happens at the first orthodontist appointment, here’s what to expect:
- You and your child will receive a warm welcome from our friendly team.
- We’ll take digital x-rays and photos to get a full picture of your child’s smile health.
- Our Board-Certified Pediatric Orthodontist, Dr. Andrews, will perform a comprehensive orthodontic exam for your child and discuss any potential issues he spots with you both.
- We’ll present you with a customized treatment plan if Dr. Andrews believes your child’s smile can benefit from treatment.
- We welcome you and your child to ask any questions you may have!
- Included in your treatment plan is your unique cost—from what insurance will cover to the flexible and affordable financing options we offer.
Parents often ask: Do you need a referral to see an orthodontist? Not at all! You can schedule directly with us—no referral necessary.
If Your Child is Not Ready for Braces Yet, What Happens?
If your child doesn’t need treatment yet, they’ll be automatically enrolled in our Fins & Grins Kids Club, a free monitoring program for growing smiles with tons of fun perks!
Here’s what our Kids Club includes:
- Complimentary check-ups every 6 months
- Growth monitoring to track jaw and tooth development
- Early detection of changes in bite or alignment
- An easy, no-pressure way to help your child feel right at home with us!
We believe that great smiles grow best in supportive environments. That’s why families trust our kids’ orthodontist in Augusta and Grovetown to guide them every step of the way.
Learn more about our Kids Club here >>
Why Say “Yes” to Early Orthodontic Evaluations?
Early evaluations give you and us the opportunity to:
- Catch orthodontic issues before they worsen
- Work with your child’s natural growth and development
- Save time and money on future treatment
- Boost your child’s confidence and comfort
At Rogers & Andrews Orthodontics, we’re not about pushing treatment—you’ll never feel pressured. We’re here to provide honest, expert guidance that puts your family’s needs first.
Ready to Schedule Your Child’s First Exam?
Whether your child is 7—or a little younger or older—it’s never too early (or too late) to begin caring for their smile! Our compassionate team is here to help guide you every step of the way.
Schedule your child’s complimentary exam at our orthodontic office in Grovetown or Augusta
today!
We’re proud to be a trusted kids orthodontist near you—because every great smile starts with great care.