What age should a child first see an orthodontist?

Around age 7. By then a mix of baby and adult teeth is present, so the orthodontist can check growth, spacing, and the way the bite fits.

Why is age 7 a good time for an orthodontic screening?

It helps spot early patterns like crowding, crossbite, underbite, overbite with risk of tooth injury, spacing issues, and habit-related concerns while the jaws are still growing.

What early orthodontic options are available for kids?

Care is personalized, but common options include a palatal expander to widen the upper arch, limited child braces to guide front teeth and bite, and habit guidance.

What is two-phase treatment and is it always needed?

Phase I guides growth in childhood and Phase II finishes alignment later. It is not always needed. Many kids are simply monitored until the teen years.

What Age Should a Child See an Orthodontist?

Q: Which signs mean I should schedule sooner than age 7?

Early or late loss of baby teeth, visible crowding or spacing, crossbite or underbite, thumb or finger habits affecting the bite, or chewing and speech difficulties.

Families in Elmhurst and Downers Grove, IL turn to Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists for gentle, modern orthodontic care for kids, teens, and adults. If you’re wondering when to bring your child for a first orthodontic visit, this guide explains the best age to start, what to expect, and which early options are available right here in our community.

Question	Short answer	What Premier offers
Best age for the first orthodontic visit	Around age 7	Early orthodontics evaluation and growth check
What happens at that visit	Photos, digital scans, bite check, simple plan	Digital 3D scanners, low radiation imaging when needed
If treatment is not needed yet	Periodic monitoring	An orthodontic supervisory program with recall visits
Common early options	Palatal expander, limited child braces, habit guidance	Palatal expanders, several types of braces, two phase planning
Will braces still be needed later	Sometimes yes, but often shorter	Phase II plans when appropriate, then retainers

What age should a child have the first orthodontic visit?

Most children do well with a first check around age 7. At this stage, a specialist can see how adult teeth are coming in and how the jaws are growing. Early orthodontics at Premier focuses on catching small issues before they grow into bigger ones.

Why consider early orthodontics at age 7?

Early evaluations can spot crowding, crossbite, underbite, overbite with risk of tooth trauma, spacing concerns, and habit related issues. Starting the conversation early helps guide growth, protect adult teeth, and make future care simpler.

What happens during the first orthodontic visit?

Review of health and smile history
Photos of the teeth and bite
Digital 3D scan for a goop free impression experience
Low radiation X rays or CBCT only if needed for a clear diagnosis
Clear next steps like starting now or entering a supervisory program for easy check ins

Which signs mean I should schedule sooner than age 7?

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Crowding or spacing you can see
Crossbite or underbite when your child bites together
Thumb or finger habits that affect the bite
Speech or chewing difficulties

What early treatments are common for child braces and guidance?

Care is personalized. For some children, helpful options include:

Palatal expander to widen the upper arch and correct crossbite or create space
Limited child braces to guide front teeth and improve bite
Habit guidance to address issues like thumb sucking
Two phase treatment when early guidance is followed later by a shorter comprehensive phase

Is two phase treatment always needed?

No. Many kids only need observation until the teen years. If early care is recommended, it is because timing will protect the bite, reduce risks, or shorten later treatment.

Do older kids and teens need braces or clear aligners?

As more adult teeth come in, many teens do well with braces or clear aligners. Premier offers several types of braces and plans aligner care with digital tools to keep visits efficient.

How does Premier make visits comfortable and convenient?

Digital scanners for fast, accurate impressions
Low radiation imaging and CBCT when needed
Orthodontic emergency guidance if something breaks between visits
Retainers and follow up after treatment to keep the smile stable

Overview

First orthodontic visit around age 7 is a smart, low pressure starting point.
Many children simply join a supervisory program with check ins until treatment is truly needed.
If care starts early, options may include a palatal expander or limited braces to guide growth.
Teens can choose braces or clear aligners, planned with digital scans for comfort and accuracy.
After active treatment, retainers help protect results for the long term.

Give your child a confident start. Schedule a first orthodontic visit with Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists in Elmhurst or Downers Grove for a simple exam, a clear plan, and a friendly team that makes every step easy.