There isn’t one perfect age for children to begin orthodontic treatment — every smile develops at its own pace. However, around age seven is generally the ideal time for a first orthodontic evaluation. By this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and their jaw has developed enough for an orthodontist to identify potential concerns — both the ones that may already exist and those that could develop down the road.
Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters
Seeing an orthodontist early can make a big difference in your child’s long-term oral health. Early evaluation allows us to guide teeth and jaw development while things are still growing and changing. This can lead to:
- Shorter and more efficient treatment later on
- Fewer impacted or crowded teeth
- A reduced chance of needing extractions
- A healthier, more harmonious bite
Early treatment can also help:
- Guide teeth into the correct positions as they erupt
- Create room for new teeth to come in naturally
- Encourage proper jaw growth and alignment
- Correct oral habits like thumb or finger sucking before they cause long-term issues
Signs Your Child May Benefit from an Orthodontic Evaluation
Some orthodontic concerns are easy to spot, while others require a professional eye. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to schedule an evaluation:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting into food
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Speech challenges
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Crowding or misaligned teeth
- Jaw shifting, clicking, or popping
- Protruding or uneven teeth
- Frequently biting the inside of the cheek
- Teeth that meet abnormally or don’t meet at all
- Jaw or teeth that seem out of proportion with the face
Keep in mind, these signs don’t always mean your child needs treatment — but they are good indicators that an orthodontic check-up could be beneficial.
Compassionate, Modern Care You Can Trust
If any of these signs sound familiar, there’s no need to worry — your child is in great hands. Dr. Welmerink and Dr. Utter are active members of the community and stay at the forefront of modern orthodontic care. They combine advanced technology with a warm, friendly approach that helps kids feel comfortable and confident from the moment they walk through the door.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Consultation
If you think your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation, we’d love to meet you! Give us a call at Sparks: (775) 358-6320 or Fallon: (775) 302-8534 to schedule a consultation.
At Welmerink & Utter Orthodontics, we believe that early orthodontic care can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles — boosting their self-esteem through their teenage years and beyond.