While orthodontic treatment can enhance a smile at any age, age 7 is the ideal time for a child to be evaluated. An early evaluation allows for timely detection of potential issues and creates more opportunities for effective, efficient treatment. Starting treatment at the right time can lead to the best possible outcome, often reducing the duration and cost of treatment. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child’s first orthodontic evaluation should happen by age 7 or at the first sign of any issues.

Early evaluations lead to better treatments and faster diagnoses. An orthodontist can check growth and development. They can start treatment when needed, even if intervention is not required.

One of the goals of Phase One treatment is to focus on making sure the jaw grows properly to fit all the permanent teeth and align the upper and lower jaws. Some kids show signs of jaw issues as they grow, like the jaws being too big or too small. If this is noticed after age six, they may need early treatment to correct it. 

Since kids grow quickly, early treatment can guide the proper growth of the upper and lower jaws. This helps create enough space for permanent teeth to come in, potentially avoiding the need for removing teeth or surgery later on.