What Age Should Kids See an Orthodontist? A Parent’s Guide

As parents, we want to give our children every advantage—including a healthy, confident smile. But many moms and dads wonder: When should kids see an orthodontist? At Papasikos Orthodontics in Bloomfield, NJ, this is one of the most common questions we hear.

The answer might surprise you: the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That doesn’t mean every child needs braces right away. Instead, this early visit allows an orthodontist to spot potential issues and guide your child’s growth for the best long-term results.

In this post, we’ll explain why age 7 is important, what happens during an orthodontic evaluation, and what parents can expect when they bring their children to see Dr. Jace Papasikos.

Why Age 7 Matters

By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This transition period gives an orthodontist valuable insight into how the jaws, teeth, and bite are developing. At this stage, we can identify:

Crowding – when teeth don’t have enough room.
Crossbites, overbites, or underbites – jaw alignment problems that can worsen with age.
Early tooth loss – which may affect how permanent teeth grow in.
Habits like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing that may impact jaw growth.

Catching these issues early doesn’t always mean immediate treatment, but it gives us the chance to monitor and intervene at the right time.

Does Every 7-Year-Old Need Braces?

Absolutely not. Many children we see at age 7 don’t need treatment yet. In those cases, Dr. Jace Papasikos places them in our growth and guidance program, where we track their dental development with periodic visits.

If treatment is recommended, it’s often part of what’s called Phase 1 orthodontics—gentle, early treatment designed to create space for permanent teeth or guide jaw growth. This makes future treatment in the teen years faster and easier.

What Happens at the First Orthodontic Visit?

Your child’s first visit to Papasikos Orthodontics is:

Friendly and relaxed – We want kids to feel comfortable.
Educational – Dr. Papasikos explains what he sees in simple, parent-friendly language.
Thorough – We may take X-rays, photos, and perform a gentle exam.
No-pressure – If no treatment is needed, we’ll simply schedule future check-ins.

Parents love knowing they have a plan, and kids often enjoy seeing pictures of their teeth and “growing smile.”

The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluations

Bringing your child in by age 7 offers important advantages:

Peace of mind for parents – You’ll know whether everything is on track.
Early detection – Small issues can be corrected before they become bigger problems.
Simpler future treatment – Early intervention often reduces the need for extractions or lengthy treatment later.
Healthy habits – Kids learn the importance of dental care and feel involved in the process.

Why Families in Bloomfield Choose Dr. Jace Papasikos

When searching for the best orthodontist for kids near me, parents in Bloomfield, Montclair, Glen Ridge, and Nutley often choose Papasikos Orthodontics. Here’s why:

Board-certified orthodontist with advanced training.
Kid-friendly office that makes visits fun and stress-free.
Flexible appointments for busy families, including after school.
Trusted by local pediatric dentists for referrals.

Dr. Jace Papasikos has built a reputation as one of the most child-friendly orthodontists in Essex County, combining clinical expertise with a warm, approachable style that both parents and children appreciate.

Schedule Your Child’s Free Consultation

If your child is 7 years old or older, now is the perfect time for their first orthodontic check-up. Even if treatment isn’t needed right away, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing their smile is being monitored by a trusted specialist.

📞 Call Papasikos Orthodontics in Bloomfield, NJ today or click below to schedule a free consultation. Let us help your child take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.