Most parents expect orthodontic care to begin in the early teen years — once all the adult teeth have come in. But in many cases, the best time to start evaluating a child’s bite and jaw development is much earlier.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean your child will need braces at that age — but it allows an orthodontist to spot potential issues while the teeth, bones, and bite are still developing.
Early detection can help reduce the need for extensive treatment later on. In some cases, simple interventions can guide jaw growth, prevent tooth crowding, or make future braces shorter and less complex.
In this blog, we’ll cover the most common early signs that your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation — so you know when it’s time to take a closer look.
Why Age 7?
Around age 7, most children have a mix of baby (primary) and adult (permanent) teeth. This transitional stage allows orthodontists to assess:
- How the adult teeth are coming in
- The relationship between the upper and lower jaws
- Any early bite problems that could worsen over time
By identifying developing issues early, orthodontists can recommend appropriate monitoring or early-phase treatments that take advantage of a child’s growth for better long-term outcomes.
Common Early Signs of Orthodontic Issues
While every child develops differently, the following signs may suggest that an orthodontic evaluation is a good idea:
1. Crowded or Overlapping Teeth
If your child’s teeth seem to be growing in without enough space — or if baby teeth appear to be overlapping — it could indicate future crowding of the permanent teeth. Early intervention may help create room and guide proper alignment.
2. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth serve as placeholders for adult teeth. Losing them too early (from decay or injury) or too late (beyond the typical age range) can disrupt the normal eruption of permanent teeth.
This may result in:
- Misaligned bites
- Impaction (teeth that can’t emerge properly)
- Shifting of neighboring teeth into the wrong positions
An orthodontist can determine if early tooth loss requires monitoring or space maintenance.
3. Difficulty Biting, Chewing, or Speaking
If your child has trouble biting into food, chewing on both sides of the mouth, or speaking clearly, it could be a sign that the teeth or jaws aren’t aligning correctly. An uneven bite can place extra strain on the jaw muscles and lead to discomfort or speech challenges.
4. Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use Beyond Age 3–4
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can lead to changes in jaw development and tooth position. This can result in open bites (where the front teeth don’t touch when biting down) or narrowed dental arches.
If the habit continues beyond the preschool years, an orthodontist may recommend evaluation and strategies to minimize its effects.
5. Mouth Breathing or Snoring
Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose — especially during sleep — may point to airway issues or improper jaw development. These patterns can affect the shape of the face and dental arches as a child grows.
In some cases, early orthodontic treatment can support better breathing and facial growth patterns.
6. Jaws That Seem Uneven or Misaligned
A noticeable underbite, overbite, or asymmetry in jaw alignment can indicate a skeletal issue that may benefit from early correction. These problems often become harder to fix as the bones finish growing.
Addressing these concerns during childhood may prevent the need for jaw surgery or more extensive treatment later on.
7. Teeth That Don’t Come Together Properly
If your child’s front teeth don’t meet when biting down (open bite), or if the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth (underbite), these are signs of a developing malocclusion (bad bite). Left unaddressed, these issues can interfere with chewing, speech, and jaw comfort.
What Happens During an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
An orthodontic evaluation at age 7 is simple and non-invasive. It usually includes:
- A visual exam of the teeth, jaw, and facial structure
- X-rays or scans to assess tooth development
- A discussion of your child’s habits, health history, and concerns
If no issues are found, the orthodontist may recommend periodic checkups as your child grows. If a problem is detected, they may suggest early (Phase 1) treatment to guide growth and make future treatment easier.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Not every child will need early orthodontic care — but for those who do, the benefits can be significant:
- Improved alignment of developing teeth
- Correction of harmful oral habits
- Reduced risk of trauma to protruding teeth
- Easier eruption of permanent teeth
- Shorter and simpler treatment during the teen years
Think of early orthodontics as laying the foundation for a healthy, balanced smile later in life.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
By age 7, many underlying bite and alignment issues are already in motion — even if your child’s smile looks relatively normal on the surface. An early evaluation allows you to stay ahead of problems, rather than waiting until they’re harder (and more expensive) to fix.
And remember: it’s not just about straightening teeth. Early orthodontic care supports better jaw development, airway health, and lifelong oral function.
Ready to Learn More About Your Child’s Orthodontic Needs?
If your child is around age 7 — or already showing signs of crowding, bite issues, or oral habits — a complimentary orthodontic evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates Orthodontics proudly serves families in West Chester Township, Blue Ash, and the surrounding communities with personalized care in a fun, family-friendly environment.
Schedule your child’s complimentary exam today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident future smile.