When Should My Child See an Orthodontist? A Parent’s Guide from LA Smile Co. Orthodontics
As a parent, you want to give your child every opportunity for a healthy, confident smile. But when is the right time to bring them to see an orthodontist? At LA Smile Co. Orthodontics in Glendale, we’re here to help answer that question and guide you through every stage of your child’s smile journey.
What the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Recommends
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, kids typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it the ideal time to catch developing issues with jaw growth, bite alignment, or tooth eruption patterns.
While your child might not need braces right away, early evaluations allow us to monitor their growth and step in with interceptive orthodontic treatment if necessary—before small issues become big ones.
Early Signs Your Child Might Need Orthodontic Attention
Here are some signs that your child could benefit from seeing an orthodontist near you:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking after age 5
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Teeth that don’t come together properly
- Speech difficulties
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a complimentary consultation with our Board-Certified Orthodontist at LA Smile Co. right here in Glendale, CA.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit
We understand that visiting the orthodontist for the first time can feel a little overwhelming—for both kids and parents! At LA Smile Co., we make it a fun, friendly, and pressure-free experience.
During the consultation, we’ll:
- Take a digital X-ray and photos of your child’s teeth and jaws
- Perform a gentle, thorough evaluation
- Explain any findings in easy-to-understand language
- Let you know whether treatment is needed now—or just monitoring for the future
Benefits of Early Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment
In some cases, early treatment can:
- Guide jaw growth to improve facial symmetry
- Create space for crowded teeth
- Reduce the need for tooth extractions later on
- Help avoid more invasive treatment as your child gets older
- Improve self-esteem and speech development
Even if your child doesn’t need braces right away, periodic monitoring lets us ensure their smile develops on the right track.
Why Families in Glendale, La Crescenta, and Montrose Trust LA Smile Co.
At LA Smile Co. Orthodontics, we specialize in gentle, child-friendly orthodontic care that puts your family at ease. Our office is warm, welcoming, and designed to make each visit fun for kids and stress-free for parents.
Dr. Kim is a Board-Certified Orthodontist with advanced training in treating both simple and complex bite issues. Whether your child may need Phase 1 orthodontics, braces, or just a check-up, we’re here to help with honest guidance and expert care.
We proudly serve families throughout Glendale, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the surrounding Foothill and Los Angeles communities.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Orthodontic Evaluation Today
If your child is around age 7—or showing signs that something may be off with their bite or smile—it’s the perfect time to check in with an expert.
👉 Call us at 818-572-0670
👉 Or schedule your complimentary consultation online
Let’s work together to give your child the healthy, confident smile they deserve.
