What Age Should Kids See an Orthodontist?

You assumed you had time. Braces were a teenager thing, right? Something to deal with in middle school, maybe high school. Then your child’s dentist casually mentioned that it might be time to see an orthodontist, and suddenly you’re wondering if you’ve already missed some critical window you didn’t even know existed.

Or maybe you’re on the other end of the spectrum — your child is 10 or 11, hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, and you’re worried you’ve waited too long. The internet isn’t helping. One article says age 7, another says to wait until all the baby teeth are gone, and now you’re not sure what to believe.

Here’s the simple truth about what age kids should see an orthodontist: the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Not because most 7-year-olds need braces — they don’t. But because age 7 is when orthodontists can first see enough of the picture to know whether anything needs attention now, later, or not at all.

That recommendation surprises most parents. It surprised us too, the first time we heard it. But once you understand the reasoning behind it, the age 7 guideline makes a lot of sense. This guide will explain why that age matters, what actually happens at an early visit, and what to do if your child is already past 7 and hasn’t been evaluated yet. Spoiler: it’s not too late.

The Short Answer: Around Age 7

If you’re looking for a quick answer to the question of what age kids should see an orthodontist, here it is: around age 7.

This isn’t an arbitrary number pulled from thin air. By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth that gives orthodontists meaningful information to work with. The first permanent molars have typically erupted by this point, and several permanent incisors are usually in place. This combination allows the orthodontist to evaluate how the teeth are coming in, how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other, and whether any problems are developing that might benefit from early attention.

The American Association of Orthodontists has been recommending age 7 evaluations for years, and most pediatric dentists follow this guideline when referring patients. It’s become the standard of care in orthodontics — not because every 7-year-old needs treatment, but because this is the earliest age when a comprehensive assessment is possible.

Here’s what might ease your mind: research shows that only about 10 to 20 percent of children evaluated at age 7 actually need treatment at that time. The vast majority — somewhere around 80 percent or more — are simply monitored. They come back every 6 to 12 months so the orthodontist can track development, and treatment begins later only if it becomes necessary. An age 7 visit is about gathering information and establishing a baseline, not about starting braces.

The most common questions parents search for on this topic include “what age should a child first see an orthodontist,” “when should my child get braces,” and “do I need to wait until all baby teeth are gone.” The answer to that last question is no — waiting until all baby teeth have fallen out means missing the window when certain interventions are most effective. But that doesn’t mean your child will get braces at 7. It means they’ll get evaluated at 7, and you’ll know what to expect going forward.

Why Age 7? Here’s the Simple Reason

The reason age 7 is the magic number comes down to what’s happening developmentally at that stage.

Around age 6 or 7, children experience a significant milestone: the eruption of their first permanent molars. These are the large teeth that come in behind the baby molars, and they don’t replace any baby teeth — they’re completely new. These first molars are sometimes called the “6-year molars” because of when they typically appear, and they’re important because they establish the back of the bite. Once these teeth are in place, an orthodontist can see how the upper and lower jaws are fitting together in a way that wasn’t visible before.

At the same time, the permanent incisors — the front teeth — are usually coming in or have recently erupted. This gives the orthodontist a look at how the front of the bite is developing. Between the molars in back and the incisors in front, there’s now enough information to assess jaw growth patterns, identify potential crowding, spot bite problems, and evaluate whether the teeth are erupting on a healthy trajectory.

There’s another reason age 7 matters: the bones are still growing. A child’s jaw bones remain malleable during this period, which means they can be influenced by orthodontic treatment in ways that become more difficult — or impossible — once growth is complete. If a child has a narrow upper jaw, for example, it’s much easier to expand that jaw at age 8 than at age 15 when the bones have fused. Early evaluation allows orthodontists to identify which children might benefit from this kind of growth-guided treatment.

Pediatric dentists widely support the age 7 recommendation because it allows for early detection of problems that might otherwise go unnoticed until they’re more complex. A crossbite that’s causing the jaw to shift, severe crowding that’s blocking permanent teeth from erupting, protruding front teeth that are at risk of injury — these are all issues that can be identified at an early evaluation and addressed before they become bigger problems.

What can orthodontists catch at age 7 that they couldn’t catch earlier? The short answer is: most things. Before age 6 or 7, there simply aren’t enough permanent teeth in place to evaluate the bite meaningfully. The first molars and incisors provide the landmarks orthodontists need to assess development. Earlier than that, and you’re mostly looking at baby teeth that will fall out anyway.

Question: Why do orthodontists recommend age 7 for a first visit?

Answer: By age 7, most children have their first permanent molars and several permanent incisors, which allows orthodontists to evaluate jaw development, bite alignment, and tooth eruption patterns. The jaw bones are also still growing at this age, making certain interventions more effective. This timing allows for early detection of problems while there’s still flexibility to guide development.

Early Visit Doesn’t Mean Early Braces

This is probably the most important thing to understand about the age 7 recommendation: an early visit does not mean early treatment.

Parents often hesitate to schedule that first orthodontic appointment because they assume it will lead to braces. They picture their second grader with a mouth full of metal and wonder whether that’s really necessary. The reality is that most children who are seen at age 7 do not need braces at age 7. They need monitoring.

Studies and clinical experience consistently show that between 70 and 80 percent of children evaluated around age 7 are placed on a “watch and wait” protocol. This means the orthodontist has looked at everything, determined that nothing requires immediate intervention, and scheduled a follow-up visit in 6 to 12 months to see how things are progressing. The child goes home without any appliances, without any treatment, and without any immediate plans for braces.

What is the orthodontist watching during this time? They’re tracking how the permanent teeth are erupting, whether the jaw growth is proceeding normally, and whether any mild issues are resolving on their own or getting worse. Children’s mouths change rapidly during these years, and what looks like a potential problem at age 7 sometimes corrects itself by age 9. Monitoring allows the orthodontist to distinguish between self-correcting issues and problems that will require intervention.

The remaining 20 to 30 percent of children — those who do need some form of early treatment — typically have specific issues that benefit from intervention during the growth years. These might include crossbites that are causing the jaw to shift, severe crowding that’s preventing teeth from erupting, underbites that will become more difficult to correct later, or habits like thumb sucking that are actively causing developmental problems. For these children, early treatment can prevent more complex treatment later.

At McClaran Orthodontics, we’re very clear with parents about the difference between evaluation and treatment. An evaluation gives you information. Treatment is a separate decision that you make together with your orthodontist based on that information. We never pressure families into treatment that isn’t necessary, and we’re honest when the best course of action is simply to wait and see.

Age 7 Evaluation: What Actually Happens

What Happens at a Child’s First Orthodontist Visit

If you’ve never taken your child to an orthodontist before, you might be wondering what the appointment actually involves. The good news is that it’s simple, quick, and nothing to stress about.

A first orthodontic visit typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The length depends on whether diagnostic records like X-rays or digital scans are taken, which varies based on the child’s age and what the orthodontist needs to see. Some offices take comprehensive records at every first visit; others take a more targeted approach based on what the initial exam reveals.

The appointment usually starts with a conversation. The orthodontist or a team member will ask about your child’s dental and medical history, including questions about any previous dental work, current habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing, and any concerns you’ve noticed at home. This is your opportunity to share what prompted the visit — whether it’s a dentist referral, something you’ve observed, or simply wanting to establish a baseline.

Next comes the examination itself. The orthodontist will look at your child’s teeth, checking for crowding, spacing, and alignment. They’ll evaluate the bite, asking your child to close their teeth together so they can see how the upper and lower jaws meet. They’ll assess jaw growth and symmetry, looking for any signs that one side is developing differently than the other. They may ask your child to open wide, bite down, or move their jaw from side to side.

For most children, this exam feels similar to a regular dental checkup. There are no shots, no drilling, and nothing painful. The orthodontist is simply gathering information through visual examination and gentle manipulation of the jaw.

If X-rays are taken, the most common type is a panoramic X-ray, which captures all the teeth — including those that haven’t erupted yet — in a single image. This helps the orthodontist see what’s happening below the gumline and predict how the remaining permanent teeth will come in. Some offices also use digital scanners that create 3D models of the teeth, eliminating the need for the goopy impressions that some parents remember from their own childhood orthodontic experiences.

After the exam, the orthodontist will sit down with you and explain what they found. They’ll answer questions, discuss whether treatment is recommended now or later, and outline next steps. For many families, the next step is simply “we’ll see you in six months to check on development.” For others, it might be a conversation about treatment options and timing.

At McClaran Orthodontics, we offer complimentary first consultations because we believe every family deserves access to clear information without financial pressure. Whether your child needs treatment or not, you’ll leave knowing what’s happening and what to expect.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Orthodontic Visit:

Talk to your child in simple, positive terms about what will happen. Explain that the orthodontist is going to look at their teeth and take some pictures, and that it won’t hurt. Bring any dental records or X-rays you have from previous dentists if they’re available. Write down any questions you want to ask. And most importantly, approach the visit with a relaxed attitude — children pick up on parental anxiety, and there’s genuinely nothing to be anxious about.

What If My Child Is Older Than 7?

Maybe you’re reading this and your child is already 9, 10, or 12. Maybe they’re a teenager. You missed the age 7 window, and now you’re wondering whether you’ve done something wrong or whether it’s too late to help.

Take a breath. It’s not too late.

While the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that first evaluation by age 7, this is an ideal starting point — not a deadline after which all hope is lost. Orthodontic treatment can be effective at virtually any age, and many orthodontic issues are routinely corrected in older children, teenagers, and even adults. The age 7 guideline exists to catch problems early when they’re sometimes easier to treat, but it doesn’t mean problems can’t be treated if they’re caught later.

In fact, most comprehensive orthodontic treatment — the kind involving full braces or aligners — is designed for adolescents between ages 11 and 14. This is when most permanent teeth have erupted and when the orthodontist can make final adjustments to tooth position and bite. Children who were evaluated at age 7 and placed on monitoring often don’t start actual treatment until they reach this age range anyway.

What about problems that would have benefited from early intervention? In most cases, they can still be addressed — the approach might just be different. A narrow palate that could have been expanded easily at age 8 might require a different technique at age 14, but it can still be expanded. Severe crowding that could have been managed with early space creation might require extraction of some teeth in an older patient, but the end result can still be excellent. Orthodontists adapt their treatment plans to the patient’s age and developmental stage.

Orthodontists are universally reassuring on this point: it is never too late to pursue orthodontic treatment if there’s a problem that needs correction. What matters is taking action once you’re aware of the issue, not beating yourself up about timing. Parents who feel guilty about “waiting too long” are often surprised to learn that their child is right on schedule for comprehensive treatment — or that the issues they were worried about are relatively minor and easily corrected.

The benefits of orthodontic evaluation for older children and teenagers are significant. Improved oral health, since straight teeth are easier to clean. Enhanced self-esteem during the socially sensitive adolescent years. Better function for chewing and speaking. And long-term savings, since addressing problems now prevents more complex issues later.

If your child is older than 7 and hasn’t seen an orthodontist, the best time to schedule that first appointment is now. Not because you’re behind, but because having information is always better than wondering.

Question: Is it too late if my child is older than 7 and hasn’t seen an orthodontist?

Answer: No, it’s not too late. While age 7 is the recommended time for a first evaluation, orthodontic treatment is effective at any age. Most comprehensive treatment is actually designed for children between 11 and 14, after the permanent teeth have erupted. If your child is older than 7, scheduling an evaluation now will give you the information you need to plan for any treatment that might be beneficial.

Schedule Your Child’s Free First Visit

If you’ve been wondering what age kids should see an orthodontist, now you have your answer: age 7 is the ideal time for a first evaluation, but any age is a good age to start if you haven’t done so already.

The purpose of that first visit isn’t to put your child in braces. It’s to understand what’s happening with their teeth, jaws, and bite so you can plan ahead. Most children who are evaluated at age 7 don’t need treatment at age 7. They need monitoring, which means periodic check-ins to track development and catch any emerging issues before they become significant problems.

For children who do need early intervention, getting started at the right time can make a meaningful difference in outcomes. A crossbite corrected at age 8 prevents years of asymmetric jaw development. A palate expanded during the growth years can improve breathing and create space for teeth without extractions. Early treatment, when it’s truly indicated, sets the stage for a simpler and shorter Phase 2 down the road.

And for children who are older and haven’t been evaluated yet, there’s no reason to delay further. Orthodontic treatment works beautifully for older kids and teenagers. The most important step is simply getting that first assessment so you know where things stand.

At McClaran Orthodontics, we make that first step easy. Consultations are complimentary, the atmosphere is relaxed, and there’s never any pressure. Dr. McClaran, a father of four himself, understands what it’s like to make healthcare decisions for your children. He’ll give you honest answers about whether treatment is needed, what options make sense, and what you can expect in terms of timing and cost.

Whether your child is 7, 12, or somewhere in between, we’d love to meet your family and help you plan for a healthy smile. Schedule your complimentary consultation and get the answers you’ve been looking for.

Because when it comes to the question of what age kids should see an orthodontist, the best answer is simple: whenever you’re ready to find out what’s going on.

Related Resources:

• Signs Your Child Needs Orthodontics — What to watch for at home
• Our Treatments — Options for children, teens, and adults
• Meet Dr. McClaran — Our family-first approach to care
• Contact Us — Schedule your free consultation

Sources:

• American Association of Orthodontists — When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
• AAO — Child Orthodontics
• American Association of Orthodontists — Is There a Benefit to Early Treatment?