First visit

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and adult teeth. Certain orthodontic problems can be recognized at that stage and timely treatment can help prevent lasting damage.

If your child is younger than 7, and you notice something that appears “off,” it’s not necessary to wait until your child turns 7 to get a first check-up. If your child is 8 or older, it is not too late for a check-up with an orthodontist.