You might be surprised to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. That seems early, right? Your child probably still has several baby teeth at that point.
There’s a good reason for this timing. We can spot potential problems while your child’s jaw is still growing and developing. At John Redmond Orthodontics, we’ve watched early detection prevent what could’ve become much more complex issues later on.
Some conditions are simply easier to address when we catch them early, before all the permanent teeth have shown up.
Why Age Seven Matters
Most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth by age seven. The first molars have typically come in. This gives us valuable information about how the back teeth fit together and what’s happening with jaw development.
Here’s what many parents don’t realize. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment. Sometimes we’re just monitoring growth and development over time, checking in periodically to see how things progress. Other cases benefit from what we call Phase 1 treatment, which addresses specific issues during this growth period when we can actually guide development.
Visible Signs To Watch For
Some orthodontic concerns are easy to spot at home. You don’t need professional training to notice them. If you’re seeing any of these issues, it’s worth scheduling an evaluation with a San Clemente Pediatric Orthodontist:
- Severe crowding or spacing: Teeth that overlap significantly or have large gaps between them
- Crossbite: Upper teeth that bite inside the lower teeth
- Protruding front teeth: Teeth that stick out noticeably, sometimes called an overbite or overjet
- Underbite: Lower jaw that extends beyond the upper jaw when biting
- Difficulty chewing or biting food: Struggling with normal eating activities
Functional And Developmental Red Flags
Not all orthodontic problems show up in the mirror. We also look for functional issues that can indicate underlying problems with jaw growth or tooth development.
Mouth breathing is more than just a habit. When children consistently breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, it can actually affect how their jaws develop. This often leads to a narrow upper jaw and changes in facial growth patterns that compound over time.
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use beyond age four can impact tooth alignment and jaw development, too. These habits push teeth forward or create bite problems that’ll need intervention eventually. The earlier we address them, the better.
Certain speech issues may relate to tooth position or jaw alignment. If your child has trouble pronouncing specific sounds or has a lisp that isn’t improving over time, an orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether tooth position plays a role. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t.
Jaw issues can present themselves in many ways. Does your child’s jaw make clicking or popping sounds? That’s not normal. Do they complain about jaw pain or have difficulty opening their mouth wide? These symptoms can indicate temporomandibular joint problems that may benefit from orthodontic assessment.
Early Loss Of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth aren’t just temporary placeholders. They actually serve an important function in guiding permanent teeth into position. When a baby tooth is lost too early because of decay or injury, nearby teeth can shift into that space. This creates real problems when the permanent tooth tries to come in.
The opposite can be problematic as well. If your child’s baby teeth hang on too long, they could affect the growth of their permanent teeth. Monitoring these things closely is important in determining if intervention is necessary.
Asymmetrical Growth Patterns
Facial symmetry matters for more than appearance, though that’s certainly part of it. When one side of the jaw grows differently from the other, it creates bite problems and affects how teeth come together. These patterns are much easier to guide and correct during active growth phases. Once growth is complete, your options become more limited.
When Permanent Teeth Erupt Abnormally
Sometimes permanent teeth come in at odd angles or in completely the wrong position. Front teeth that erupt behind baby teeth instead of pushing them out? That’s a red flag. Teeth that appear to be heading in the wrong direction warrant professional evaluation.
Taking The Next Step
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your child, an evaluation can provide peace of mind and clarity about what’s ahead. Early assessment allows us to create a personalized plan based on your child’s unique development, not some one-size-fits-all approach.
We understand that orthodontic treatment represents a significant commitment for families. That’s why we take time to explain what we’re seeing, answer your questions thoroughly, and discuss all available options. Some children need immediate intervention. Others simply need periodic monitoring as they grow.
Our San Clemente Pediatric Orthodontist team has extensive experience working with young patients and their families. We make the evaluation process comfortable and informative, helping you understand exactly what’s happening with your child’s dental development. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about how we can support your child’s oral health journey.
