Most parents associate braces with the teenage years, but one of the most important orthodontic checkpoints happens much earlier. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, when early signs of bite and jaw issues can be addressed while the jaw is still developing.
Why Age Seven Matters
By age seven, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This gives children’s orthodontists, like Dr. Mojan Mirnia, a clear window into how the jaw is developing and how permanent teeth are likely to come in. This is an ideal time to catch problems that are much more time-consuming and complicated to correct once the jaw has finished growing.
What an Early Evaluation Can Catch
A seven-year smile check can identify issues such as:
- Crowding or spacing problems before all permanent teeth erupt
- Crossbites, underbites, or overbites related to jaw growth
- Habits like thumb-sucking affecting tooth position
- Narrow dental arches that may need to be widened
- Uncommonly early or delayed loss of baby teeth
How Early Treatment Can Save Time Later
Not every child needs treatment at seven. For those who do, however, early intervention can guide jaw growth, create space for permanent teeth, and reduce the need for more extensive treatment later. In many cases, this means a shorter, simpler course of braces or aligners during the teen years, rather than a longer, more complex orthodontic treatment plan.
What Happens If You Wait?
Skipping an early evaluation doesn't make a problem disappear. It simply allows the jaw to continue developing around it. These issues, particularly those related to jaw width or growth direction, become significantly harder to correct once growth has slowed.
Early Orthodontic Evaluations in Corona, CA
If you’re in Corona and want to help support the healthy development of your child’s jawbone and bite and ensure timely intervention when needed, contact Dr. Mojan Mirnia and the caring All Smiles Orthodontics and Children's Dentistry team to schedule your child's seven-year smile check!