Orthodontic Evaluation at Age 7 in Beaverton, OR
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. At Ensley Orthodontics, we support this guideline because it allows us to catch potential issues early and plan for the healthiest future for your child’s smile.
Why Age 7 is the Magic Number
By the age of 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This specific developmental stage allows our doctors to evaluate the bite (occlusion) and spot problems that might not be visible to the untrained eye.
Seeing an orthodontist at this age does not necessarily mean your child will get braces right away. In fact, most children will not need treatment until they are older. However, an early evaluation provides peace of mind and allows us to monitor growth patterns. If we do detect a developing issue, such as crowding, crossbites, or jaw discrepancies, we can intervene at the optimal time to make future treatment easier and more effective.
The Benefits of Early Screening
Taking your child for an orthodontic visit at age 7 offers significant advantages for their oral health. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of confident smiles.
Key benefits include:
- Guiding Jaw Growth: We can use simple appliances to help the jaw grow correctly, creating enough space for permanent teeth.
- Correcting Harmful Habits: We can help address habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that can alter the shape of the mouth.
- Simplifying Future Treatment: Early intervention can reduce the need for tooth extractions or surgery later in life.
- Protecting Protruding Teeth: Correcting teeth that stick out reduces the risk of trauma or injury to the front teeth.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
We strive to make your child’s first visit to our Beaverton office fun and comfortable. We know that visiting a new doctor can be intimidating, so our team goes the extra mile to put young patients at ease.
During the appointment, Dr. Ensley or Dr. Edmondson will perform a gentle examination of your child’s teeth and jaw. We may take digital X-rays to see what is happening beneath the gums. After the exam, we will explain our findings clearly. In many cases, we will simply place your child in our “observation program,” where we check their progress periodically as they grow, at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
My child’s teeth look straight. Do we still need to come in?
Yes. Even if teeth appear straight, there may be underlying issues with the bite or jaw growth that only an orthodontist can detect. Proactive monitoring helps prevent complex problems down the road.
Does early treatment mean my child won’t need braces later?
Not necessarily. Early treatment (Phase I) is designed to fix specific structural problems. Your child may still need braces or aligners (Phase II) once all their permanent teeth have erupted to fine-tune the alignment. However, Phase II is often shorter and easier because of the early work done.
How much does the initial exam cost?
The initial evaluation at Ensley Orthodontics is complimentary. We believe every child deserves a healthy start, and we are happy to provide this service to our community.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No, a referral is not required. You can call us directly to schedule an appointment whenever you are ready.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Exam Today
Give your child the gift of a healthy smile. Contact Ensley Orthodontics in Beaverton today to schedule a complimentary observation appointment. We look forward to meeting you and your family!
