As a parent, you want the best for your child—including a confident, healthy smile. That journey often begins with a visit to the orthodontist. But what happens during your child’s first orthodontic appointment? Is it too early? Will they get braces right away? If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone.
Let’s walk through what to expect at your child’s first visit, when to schedule it, and how this important step sets the foundation for a lifetime of oral health.
When Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That might sound early, especially if your child still has baby teeth—but it’s the perfect time to catch potential issues before they become more serious.
At this age, your child’s permanent teeth are beginning to emerge, and their jaw is still growing. An early assessment allows the orthodontist to detect subtle problems with jaw growth, bite alignment, or crowding. In many cases, no treatment is needed right away—but monitoring early helps ensure your child’s smile develops in the healthiest way possible.
Preparing for the Visit
Before the appointment, let your child know what to expect in simple, reassuring terms. It’s not a scary visit—no needles, drills, or pain involved. You can explain that the orthodontist will look at their teeth and jaws to see how they’re growing. It might also help to let them know they’ll get to sit in a cool chair and see pictures of their teeth!
If your child has already been to the dentist, you can tell them it’s kind of like that—but the orthodontist focuses on straightening teeth and making sure the jaws are working properly.
What Happens During the Appointment?
Your child’s first orthodontic visit is all about evaluation, education, and planning. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:
1. Warm Welcome and Paperwork
You’ll be greeted by the front desk team, and you may be asked to complete some health history forms if you haven’t already. A welcoming environment helps ease any nerves your child may have.
2. Initial Examination
The orthodontist will gently examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and bite. They’ll look for issues such as:
Overbites or underbites
Crowded or spaced-out teeth
Jaw growth irregularities
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Speech or chewing concerns
This part of the visit is painless and quick. The orthodontist might ask your child to open and close their mouth, bite down, or smile.
3. Diagnostic Records
To get a full picture of what’s going on beneath the surface, the orthodontist may take diagnostic records. This could include:
Digital X-rays to see tooth position and jaw development
Photos of the face, teeth, and smile
3D scans or impressions to create a model of the teeth
These tools help the orthodontist assess how the teeth and jaws are developing and whether early treatment could help guide growth.
4. Discussion and Recommendations
After reviewing the findings, the orthodontist will discuss their observations with you. There are three typical outcomes from a first visit:
No treatment needed at this time: Your child’s smile is developing normally, and the orthodontist will continue to monitor growth with periodic check-ins.
Early interceptive treatment recommended: The orthodontist may recommend treatment to address developing issues, such as a narrow palate or crossbite. This is usually short-term and aimed at guiding jaw growth or preventing problems down the road.
Future treatment planned: Braces or aligners might be recommended later when more permanent teeth have come in.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early (or Phase 1) orthodontic treatment is sometimes recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 10. It typically lasts around 6–12 months and may involve:
Expanders to widen the jaw
Partial braces on specific teeth
Space maintainers
Habit appliances for thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
The goal of early treatment is to make room for developing teeth, guide jaw growth, and improve how the bite functions. In many cases, it helps reduce the length and complexity of future orthodontic treatment.
How to Prepare for the Next Steps
If treatment is needed, your orthodontist will walk you through the process, timing, and financial options. Many practices offer flexible payment plans, and if you have dental insurance, some or all of the treatment may be covered.
Regardless of whether treatment begins right away or later, your child’s first visit lays the groundwork for healthy oral development. It also introduces them to the orthodontic team, helping them feel comfortable and confident in a new care environment.
A Positive First Experience
The first orthodontic visit is a big milestone—but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a gentle approach, kid-friendly technology, and a focus on prevention, your orthodontist is here to help your child smile brighter, sooner.
If you’re ready to schedule your child’s first visit, we’re here to answer any questions and walk you through every step. Let’s start the journey to a confident, healthy smile—together.
