When should my child first see an orthodontist?

Dr. Kemal Bulut Çırpan · 2 November 2026 · 6 min read

Many families think of orthodontics as something to consider “once all the baby teeth have fallen out and the adult teeth are in”. In fact, the growth of the jaws and the order in which teeth come through give important clues much earlier. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child has a first orthodontic check-up by around age 7.

Why age 7?

By this age the first permanent molars and front incisors have started to come through. This makes it possible to assess how the teeth and jaws relate to each other, in other words the bite. Because the jawbones are still growing, some problems can be guided more easily by making use of this growth.

This does not mean every child will start treatment at 7. For most children, monitoring at regular intervals is enough. The aim is not to miss the right moment if treatment is needed.

Which signs should prompt an examination?

If you notice any of the following, you can see an orthodontist even before age 7:

• Baby teeth falling out very early or very late
• Crowded, tightly packed or noticeably spaced teeth
• Upper front teeth sticking out a lot, or lower teeth biting in front of the upper teeth
• Front teeth not touching when the mouth is closed
• The jaw shifting to one side when biting or chewing
• Constant mouth breathing or snoring
• Thumb sucking or dummy use continuing beyond the age of 4–5
• Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
• Facial asymmetry, or a lower jaw that looks noticeably set back or forward

Having one of these signs does not necessarily mean there is a problem. But having an orthodontist take a look will give you peace of mind.

What happens at the first examination?

The first examination is a short, painless visit. Your child’s mouth and face are examined, and we look at how the teeth are coming through, the bite and any habits. Photographs and X-rays are taken if needed. The examination usually ends with one of these three outcomes:

• All is well: regular check-ups are enough.
• Let’s monitor: treatment may be needed later; we wait for the right time.
• Early treatment would help: starting treatment now is recommended to make use of growth.

When is early treatment needed?

Early (phase 1) treatment is considered in situations such as crossbite, bite problems where the lower jaw is forward, severe crowding, open bite caused by habits, or upper front teeth that stick out and are vulnerable to knocks.

The aim at this stage is to guide jaw development in the right direction, make room for the permanent teeth and reduce the need for more complex treatment later. Early treatment is often short. A second phase of treatment may be needed once the permanent teeth are complete.

Clear aligners for children: Invisalign First and Spark Junior

Invisalign First and Spark Junior are clear aligner systems developed for the mixed dentition stage, when baby teeth and permanent teeth are present together. Because they are removable, brushing is easy, and they are barely noticeable at school. We offer both systems at our clinic.

Clear aligners are not suitable for every child. In some cases fixed or removable appliances are the better choice. Which one is right is decided together after the examination and records.

A few tips for families

• Take care of baby teeth. Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth. Treating decay reduces the risk of crowding later.
• Notice mouth breathing. If your child constantly breathes through their mouth, it may also help to see an ear, nose and throat specialist.
• Approach habits gently. To stop habits such as thumb sucking, support and rewards work better than pressure.
• Keep up regular dental check-ups.

For more information about children’s orthodontics, see our OrthoKids: Children’s Orthodontics page.

Dr. Kemal Bulut Çırpan, DDS
Orthodontist in Fethiye. PhD in orthodontics, Invisalign and Spark provider.