06/03/2026
Most kids benefit from an orthodontist evaluation by age 7. Here's why: baby teeth and permanent teeth are still coming in, and an orthodontist can spot issues early—like crowding, bite problems, or jaw misalignment—when treatment is often simpler and less invasive.
Key timing milestones:
✓ Age 7: First screening recommended. Most adult teeth haven't erupted yet, but an orthodontist can identify patterns.
✓ Ages 9-14: The ideal window for many kids. Most permanent teeth are in, growth is predictable, and interceptive treatment (if needed) works with natural development.
✓ Age 12+: If no issues were flagged earlier, this is when comprehensive braces or aligners typically start.
Signs your child might need earlier evaluation:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Mouth breathing or tongue thrust
- Difficulty chewing
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
Early detection doesn't always mean immediate treatment. Sometimes it means monitoring. But catching problems early gives you more options and often shorter, less expensive treatment down the road.
At Danbury Smiles, we see the whole picture—dental health and bite development. Schedule a consultation for your child.
Danbury Smiles
Dr. George Landress
93 West Street
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 743-7608
www.DanburySmiles.com