At Level Orthodontics, we believe that healthy smiles start early—and that includes orthodontic care. While many parents assume orthodontic treatment begins in the teen years, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first evaluation by age 7. Here’s why that early visit matters—and how it can benefit your child’s long-term oral health.
Spotting the Small Problems Before They Grow
By age 7, most children have a combination of baby teeth and emerging adult teeth. This unique stage gives orthodontists a clear window into how your child’s smile is developing. We can assess whether there’s enough space for adult teeth, check for crowding or gaps, and spot bite problems like underbites, overbites, or crossbites.
Many of these issues aren’t visible to the untrained eye and don’t cause pain early on, which is why parents may miss the warning signs. But early detection can help prevent more serious complications later—like impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, or the need for surgical intervention.
Early Intervention = Easier Treatment
In some cases, we may recommend early (interceptive) treatment to guide the development of your child’s jaw and teeth. This could involve devices like expanders, limited braces, or space maintainers, depending on your child’s needs. These treatments are gentle, effective, and can significantly reduce the complexity or length of treatment later in life.
For example, if your child’s jaw is too narrow for their adult teeth to fit properly, we can widen the arch early on. This makes room for teeth to come in naturally and reduces the likelihood of needing extractions or more intensive work as a teenager.
Even if no treatment is needed right away, early evaluations allow us to monitor development and plan the ideal timing for any future orthodontic care. It’s all about being proactive—not reactive.
Creating a Comfortable, Positive Experience
We understand that visiting the orthodontist can feel a little intimidating for young children. That’s why we take extra care to make the experience fun, welcoming, and educational. We walk kids and parents through the process, use gentle techniques, and always keep comfort top of mind.
Our team at Level Orthodontics loves helping kids grow into their best smiles. We’re not just watching teeth—we’re building lifelong confidence.
Schedule Your Child’s First Visit Today
If your child is around age 7 and hasn’t had an orthodontic evaluation yet, now is the perfect time. Early assessments help lay the foundation for a healthier, happier smile, and ensure that any treatment is done at the most effective time.
Book your child’s first appointment with Level Orthodontics and let us help them start their smile journey with confidence.