Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Make a Big Difference

Visiting an orthodontist by age 7 can do more than just set your child up for a healthy, confident smile, it can help prevent more complex or costly treatments later. The best part? You don’t need to wait for your child’s dentist to refer you. If you notice crowded teeth, an uneven bite, or anything that just “looks off,” it’s time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation directly.

At Jay Harris Orthodontics, we make early visits simple and stress-free. Our goal is to understand how your child’s teeth and jaws are growing and decide whether they need treatment now, later, or not at all.

Why Age 7 Is the Magic Number

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends every child see an orthodontist by age 7. At this age, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to spot potential problems with jaw growth, tooth alignment, or spacing, even ones that may not be visible yet.

During your child’s visit, Dr. Harris will perform a thorough exam and take digital X-rays to evaluate how permanent teeth are developing. We can check for:

  • Crowding or spacing issues
  • Missing or extra teeth
  • Bite issues such as crossbites, underbites, or overbites
  • Impacted teeth or growth imbalances
By identifying these concerns early, we can plan the right treatment at the right time.

What Is Early (Phase 1) Orthodontic Treatment?

Early, or Phase 1, orthodontic treatment typically happens between ages 7–10 while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The goal isn’t to put full braces on early, it’s to guide jaw growth and make room for incoming teeth, reducing the need for extractions or surgery later.

Some of the most common early treatment options include:
  • Palatal Expander: Helps widen a narrow upper jaw to create space and improve bite alignment. When done early, it can often prevent crowding or crossbites.
  • Early Interceptive Braces: A short period of braces can correct specific problems — like an underbite or crossbite — before they cause speech or swallowing issues.
  • Selective Tooth Removal: If baby or impacted teeth block permanent teeth, removing them at the right time can help teeth erupt naturally and align properly.

What If My Child Doesn’t Need Treatment Yet?

Many children who come in at age 7 don’t need treatment right away, and that’s completely normal. In fact, one of three things will happen after your child’s first visit:
  1. No treatment needed: Everything looks great, and we’ll recommend routine check-ins.
  2. Watch and wait: We’ll monitor growth and schedule follow-up visits as your child’s teeth and jaws develop.
  3. Start Phase 1 treatment: If we see issues that could benefit from early correction, we’ll walk you through the best treatment plan for your child.

Either way, early evaluations give parents peace of mind and ensure your child receives care at the most effective time.

The Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontist Early

Starting early doesn’t always mean starting treatment, it means staying proactive about your child’s oral development. Early evaluations can:
  • Detect hidden orthodontic issues before they become major concerns
  • Guide proper jaw growth and tooth eruption
  • Reduce the need for extractions or surgery later
  • Make future treatment faster and easier
  • Save families time and money in the long run

Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit

If your child is around age 7, it’s the perfect time to schedule their first visit with Jay Harris Orthodontics in Columbus, GA. We’ll take a close look at your child’s teeth and jaw development, explain what we see, and help you decide whether any early treatment could benefit their growing smile.

Request an appointment today – it’s never too early to invest in your child’s healthiest, happiest smile!