When it comes to your child’s smile, it’s important to understand the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. While both play key roles in oral health, only an orthodontist has the advanced training to properly evaluate jaw growth, tooth alignment, and bite problems.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. This early visit can identify potential problems with teeth, bone development, and facial symmetry long before they become more complicated—and more expensive—to fix.
Why Age 7 is the Magic Number
Between the ages of 7 and 9, a child’s permanent teeth are beginning to erupt. At this stage, an orthodontist can:
- Detect crossbites, crowding, or an impacted tooth (a tooth stuck beneath the gum line).
- Identify supernumerary teeth (extra teeth that can block normal eruption).
- Evaluate facial symmetry and jaw growth, sometimes noticing even slight shifts—such as a jaw being 2–3 millimeters off-center.
- Determine whether early intervention (called Phase I orthodontics) could prevent more serious issues later.
By contrast, many general dentists might advise “waiting until all the permanent teeth erupt.” While this may seem convenient, waiting too long can allow orthodontic problems to worsen, requiring extractions, surgery, or longer treatment times in the future.
Real-Life Case Example
One young patient recently came in with:
- A crossbite causing improper chewing
- Severe crowding
- An impacted tooth
- A supernumerary tooth behind the front teeth
- A facial midline shift of about 2–3 millimeters
Unfortunately, this child had been advised by their general dentist to “wait.” If the parents had not sought an orthodontic opinion, these issues could have progressed, making treatment more complex. This is why early orthodontic evaluation is crucial.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
Seeing an orthodontist early allows for interceptive treatment, which can:
- Guide jaw growth and improve facial balance
- Reduce the risk of tooth extractions later
- Create more room for crowded teeth
- Improve airway health and reduce risks associated with mouth breathing or sleep apnea in children
- Boost a child’s self-confidence by addressing noticeable bite or spacing issues early
Orthodontist vs. Dentist: Who Should You See?
- Dentist: Focuses on overall oral health, cleanings, fillings, and preventive care.
- Orthodontist: Specializes in diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth, jaws, and bites.
Both professionals are essential to your child’s health, but only an orthodontist can determine if your child needs braces, expanders, or other early interventions.
Take Action: Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation
Don’t wait until your child is a teenager. By then, treatment options may be limited and more invasive. Instead, schedule an orthodontic consultation around your child’s 7th birthday.
At Elite Orthodontics, we specialize in early orthodontic evaluations and treatment for children and adults, including complex cases. Our goal is to create healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Key Takeaways
- Children should see an orthodontist by age 7
- Early visits can identify crowding, crossbites, and jaw growth problems
- Interceptive orthodontics can save time, money, and prevent complex treatments later
- Only an orthodontist has the specialized training to evaluate these concerns
Book your child’s first orthodontic evaluation today to ensure their smile develops properly!
