Many parents are surprised to learn that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
At this stage, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to detect early signs of:
- Crowding or spacing issues
- Bite misalignment
- Jaw growth concerns
- Thumb sucking or mouth breathing habits
An early visit doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need braces. In fact, most young patients simply enter a growth monitoring program, where we track development and determine the ideal timing for treatment.
What Is Phase I (Early) Treatment?
In some cases, early orthodontic treatment, called Phase I, may be recommended to:
- Create space for incoming permanent teeth
- Guide jaw growth and development
- Reduce the risk of dental trauma
- Prevent more complex treatment later
Early intervention can make future orthodontic care simpler, shorter, and more effective.
Why Early Evaluations Matter
Seeing an orthodontist early helps:
- Support long-term oral health
- Improve bite function
- Reduce treatment complexity
- Build confidence as your child grows
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
At Olson Orthodontics, we’re proud to partner with families across York and surrounding communities to create healthy, confident smiles.
We offer complimentary orthodontic consultations so you can better understand your child’s smile development, with no pressure and no obligation.