Wondering when your child should see an orthodontist? Los Altos orthodontist Dr. Boschken explains the signs to watch for and why earlier is often better.
Most parents assume orthodontic treatment doesn’t start until the braces go on — usually somewhere around middle school. But the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That might sound early, but there’s a good reason for it.
At age 7, your child has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. That combination gives an orthodontist a clear window into how the jaw is developing, whether there’s enough space for incoming teeth, and whether any habits or bite patterns might cause problems down the road. We’re not necessarily starting treatment at this age — we’re gathering information that can make treatment far more effective later.
What Are We Looking For at a First Visit?
During an early evaluation, Dr. Boschken looks for things parents often can’t spot at home:
- Crowding or spacing issues that may worsen as permanent teeth come in
- Crossbites, overbites, or underbites that are easier to correct in a growing jaw
- Habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing that affect jaw development
- Asymmetries in tooth or jaw alignment
Finding these early doesn’t always mean treatment begins right away. In many cases, we simply monitor your child every six to twelve months until the timing is right. But for some kids, early intervention — sometimes called Phase 1 treatment — can prevent more complex issues later and may shorten overall treatment time.
What If We Wait?
Waiting is sometimes the right call, and your child’s general dentist may already be keeping an eye on things. But for certain issues, delaying evaluation means losing a window that only exists while the jaw is still actively growing. Once growth slows, some corrections that would have been straightforward become significantly more involved.
What Happens at the First Visit?
A first orthodontic visit at Boschken Orthodontics is always complimentary. We’ll take a look at your child’s teeth and jaw, ask about any concerns you’ve noticed, and let you know honestly whether we see anything worth watching or addressing. There’s no pressure and no commitment — just a clear picture of where things stand.
If you’re in Los Altos, San Jose, or the surrounding area and your child is around age 7 or older, it’s a good time to schedule that first visit. Even if everything looks great, you’ll leave with peace of mind — and that’s worth something too.
