Why Age 7 Is the Right Time for an Orthodontic Evaluation
Most parents assume braces are a teenage milestone. But the truth is, the best window to spot orthodontic problems opens much earlier, around age 7.
At Damon Orthodontics, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation that every child sees an orthodontist by age 7. It doesn’t mean your child needs braces right away. It means we can catch small issues before they become big ones.
In this guide, you’ll learn why age 7 matters, what we look for during an early evaluation, and how a simple visit can save your family time, money, and stress down the road.
Why Orthodontists Recommend an Evaluation at Age 7
By age 7, your child’s mouth is going through an important transition. The first permanent molars and front teeth have usually come in. This gives us the first clear picture of how your child’s bite and jaw are developing.
At this stage, we can see problems that aren’t obvious to the eye. Even with a mouth full of baby teeth, subtle signs point to how the adult teeth will settle in.
Catching these signs early gives us options. We can guide growth naturally instead of waiting and correcting problems the hard way later.
What “Early” Really Means
An early evaluation isn’t the same as early treatment. Many children who come in at age 7 simply get a clean bill of health and a plan to check back later.
For others, a short phase of early care can make a real difference. Either way, you’ll leave with clarity instead of guesswork.
What Our Spokane Orthodontists Look For
During a complimentary evaluation, Dr. Clay Damon and Dr. Paul Damon check for the signals that shape a healthy, confident smile. Here’s what we watch for at this age.
Jaw Growth and Development
Your child’s jaw is still growing at age 7, which is a big advantage. If the upper and lower jaws aren’t developing evenly, we can gently guide that growth while it’s happening.
Waiting until the jaw is fully formed often means more complex treatment later.
Bite Problems
We look at how the top and bottom teeth fit together. Underbites, overbites, and crossbites are far easier to correct while the bones are still flexible.
Left unchecked, bite issues can affect chewing, speech, and even how teeth wear over time.
Crowding and Spacing
Not enough room for adult teeth? Too much space? Both tell us something important. Early screening helps us plan for teeth that haven’t erupted yet.
Sometimes a small, well-timed step prevents the need for extractions or longer treatment down the road.
Airway and Breathing
Healthy breathing supports healthy development. We screen for signs of airway issues, such as mouth breathing or disrupted sleep, that can affect your child’s growth and daily energy.
This whole-child focus is a key part of our airway-focused approach to orthodontic care.
3 Locations To Serve You in Spokane, WA.
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Tue: 7:30 AM-5:00PM
Wed: 7:30 AM-5:00PM
Thur: 7:30 AM-5:00PM
Fri: 7:30 AM-5:00PM
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Screening
A visit at age 7 does more than check teeth. It sets your child up for a smoother path ahead.
- Simpler treatment later: Guiding growth now can reduce the time and complexity of future braces or clear aligners.
- Fewer surprises: You’ll know exactly what to expect and when.
- Better outcomes: Early action can improve the final result and lower the chance of needing extractions or surgery.
- Peace of mind: If nothing needs fixing yet, you’ll leave reassured, not worried.
The goal isn’t to rush treatment. It’s to make sure your child gets the right care at the right time.
What Happens During Your Child’s First Visit
We keep first visits relaxed and friendly, so your child feels comfortable from the start.
Here’s what to expect:
- A warm welcome: Our team helps your child settle in and takes the nervousness out of a new environment.
- A gentle exam: We examine the teeth, jaw, and bite, using advanced digital imaging when needed.
- A clear conversation: We explain what we see in plain language and answer your questions.
- A personalized plan: Whether that’s active care or a simple “check back next year,” you’ll know the next step.
Best of all, this consultation is completely free, with no referral needed.
Serving Families Across Spokane
As Spokane’s trusted family orthodontist for over 50 years, we make early care easy to access. With three convenient locations in North Spokane, Spokane Valley, and South Hill, there’s always an office near you.
Our family invented the globally trusted Damon System, and we bring that same expertise and care to every child we see. When you choose us, you’re choosing a practice that treats your family like our own.
Schedule Your Child’s Complimentary Evaluation
If your child is around age 7, now is the perfect time for a check. An early evaluation is one of the simplest ways to protect your child’s smile and confidence for years to come.
There’s no pressure and no cost to find out where your child stands. You’ll walk away with real answers and a clear plan.
Book your free consultation with Damon Orthodontics today and give your child the healthiest start to a beautiful smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At Damon Orthodontics, we offer complimentary evaluations at all three of our Spokane-area locations, so you can find out early whether any care is needed.
Not at all. Many children who come in at age 7 simply get monitored over time. An early visit helps us catch potential issues sooner, but treatment only begins when it will do the most good for your child.
We look for jaw growth concerns, bite problems like underbites and crossbites, crowding, spacing issues, and signs of airway or breathing trouble. Spotting these early often makes future treatment simpler and shorter.
Yes. Your child’s initial evaluation at Damon Orthodontics is completely complimentary, and no referral is required. You’ll get a clear picture of your child’s dental development at no cost.
Our family invented the globally trusted Damon System right here in Spokane, and we’ve cared for local families for over 50 years. With three convenient locations and a warm, kid-friendly team, we make early orthodontic care easy and stress-free.