As a proactive parent, you want to set your child up for a lifetime of success and confidence. While many parents assume orthodontics is only for teenagers, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At Wainwright Orthodontics, we believe patients should be educated and guided on when the optimal time to start is. Seeing a patient early allows us to determine the best time for your child to begin treatment.
Honest Guidance for Your Child’s Smile
We know that many parents feel concerned or anxious that they have waited too long to address their child’s crooked smile or potential oral health issues. However, age 7 is often the “sweet spot” because a child’s permanent teeth are beginning to erupt, allowing us to identify developmental issues before they become more complex.
We are here to provide clear education and trusted recommendations. If your child isn’t ready for treatment, we will simply monitor their growth and let you know when the time is right.”
What We Look for During an Early Evaluation
When you bring your child in for their complimentary consultation, our goal is to give you peace of mind. Using advanced digital tools like precise digital impressions, we can evaluate your child’s dental development comfortably and quickly.
During this visit, Dr. Wainwright looks for:
- Crowding and Spacing: Ensuring there is enough room for permanent teeth to emerge.
- Bite Alignment: Checking for overbites, underbites, or crossbites that could affect long-term health.
- Jaw Growth: Identifying potential growth issues that are easier to correct while the child is still developing.
- Harmful Habits: Evaluating if thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting is impacting dental alignment.
- Airway Issues:
The Wainwright Difference: No Pressure, Just Education
We believe you deserve 100% honesty and integrity. We never prescribe early treatment—often called Phase 1—unless it truly benefits the child’s long-term outcome. Our “no-ego” approach means we listen to your concerns and provide professionally crafted results designed for lasting stability.
By taking this proactive step now, you can avoid the “low-grade concern” for your child’s health and future. Whether your child needs immediate care or simply needs to be monitored, you will leave our office with a clear plan and the confidence that you are doing what is best for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an evaluation at age 7 mean my child will get braces right away?
No. In many cases, we find that a child is developing normally and we simply recommend periodic check-ups to monitor their growth. We only recommend treatment if we determine it is the optimal time for the best clinical result.
What is Phase 1 treatment?
Phase 1 is interceptive treatment that occurs while a child still has a mix of primary and permanent teeth. We only recommend Phase 1 if it will significantly benefit the child by correcting a major developmental issue or making future treatment easier and more stable.
What if my child is older than 7 and hasn't seen an orthodontist?
It is never too late for an evaluation! While age 7 is the recommended starting point for monitoring, we provide honest guidance for children, teens, and adults of all ages to ensure they get the care they need at the right time.
Is this initial visit expensive?
Not at all. We offer a complimentary consultation to provide you with the education and guidance you need without any financial pressure. We believe in clear pricing and practical solutions for real budgets.