Early Evaluation Can Make All the Difference
As a parent, it’s not always easy to know when the right time is to visit an orthodontist. Your child’s baby teeth may have fallen out on schedule, and their adult teeth may look mostly straight. But orthodontic concerns aren’t always obvious, and waiting too long can lead to more complex issues down the road.
At Croco Orthodontics, we recommend bringing your child in for an evaluation by around age 7. That might sound early, but there’s a good reason for it: by that age, most kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth, and we can spot developing problems long before they become serious.
Why Age 7?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children have their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. This doesn’t mean your child will need braces right away—in fact, many won’t. But it allows us to monitor growth, development, and spacing to determine whether early treatment could help prevent future complications.
Early evaluations are especially important for identifying bite issues, jaw misalignment, and space loss due to early tooth loss or crowding.
Signs Your Child May Need Braces
Crowded, Crooked, or Overlapping Teeth
If your child’s adult teeth are coming in too close together or appear twisted, there may not be enough room in their jaw to accommodate them. This can lead to functional issues and make oral hygiene more difficult.
Bite Problems
Common bite issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can affect how your child chews, speaks, and even breathes. They can also contribute to jaw discomfort or uneven tooth wear over time.
Prolonged Thumb-Sucking or Mouth Breathing
Habits like thumb-sucking or chronic mouth breathing can affect the way your child’s jaw develops. If these habits continue past early childhood, it may be time to have their bite evaluated.
Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Losing baby teeth too early—or holding on to them for too long—can create alignment problems. These changes can interfere with the natural path of incoming adult teeth, leading to spacing or crowding concerns.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking Clearly
If your child complains about trouble biting into food, chewing, or speaking, this could point to an underlying orthodontic issue. It’s worth checking with a professional to see what’s going on beneath the surface.
What Happens During an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
At Croco Orthodontics, we keep things light and positive for our youngest patients. During their first visit, we’ll take a look at their teeth, jaw alignment, and facial development. Using digital imaging and a gentle exam, we’ll assess how their smile is progressing and determine whether treatment is needed now—or if we should simply monitor their growth.
If early intervention (also called Phase 1 treatment) is recommended, we’ll explain exactly why, what it involves, and how it can help your child avoid more complex treatment later.
Early Treatment Can Simplify the Future
Not all kids need early treatment, but for those who do, the benefits can be significant. Phase 1 treatment can create space for developing teeth, improve jaw alignment, and reduce the need for extractions or surgery in the future.
Our goal is always to do the least amount of treatment at the right time for the best possible outcome.
Supportive Care for Every Stage
At Croco Orthodontics, we’ve worked with thousands of families in Coralville, Mt. Pleasant, and the surrounding areas. We know how important trust and communication are when it comes to your child’s health. That’s why we take the time to explain every option, answer every question, and guide you through the process with compassion and clarity.
If your child is nearing age 7, or if you’ve noticed signs they might need braces, schedule an evaluation with us today. A confident smile starts early.