Children’s Dental Health Month: Why an Orthodontic Screening at Age 7 Matters
February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a perfect reminder that a healthy smile is about more than just straight teeth — it’s about supporting your child’s growth, comfort, and overall wellness.
At All Star Orthodontics, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists’ recommendation that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early visit helps us spot developing concerns and guide your child’s smile as they grow.
Why Age 7 Is the Right Time for an Orthodontic Screening
By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, giving orthodontists an important window into how the mouth and jaws are developing.
An early evaluation allows us to check for:
Crowding or spacing issues that may affect future tooth alignment.
Bite concerns such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
Jaw growth patterns, including narrow palates or imbalances.
Tooth eruption problems, such as extra, missing, or impacted teeth.
Oral habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting that can influence development.
In many cases, no immediate treatment is needed — but early monitoring ensures we intervene at the right time if necessary.
Orthodontics and Airway Health: More Than Just Teeth
Today, orthodontics is increasingly connected to something even bigger: airway and breathing health.
A narrow palate or improper jaw development can sometimes contribute to mouth breathing or disrupted sleep, which may impact a child’s energy, focus, and growth.
Signs of Possible Airway Concerns Include:
Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
Frequent mouth breathing (especially at rest)
Restless sleep or waking often
Daytime tiredness or difficulty concentrating
Behavioral concerns that may resemble ADHD
During an early screening, Dr, Cline will evaluate more than tooth alignment — we also look at factors like palate width, tongue posture, and breathing patterns.
Early Orthodontic Treatment (When Needed)
Some children benefit from early treatment to support healthy development and prevent more complex concerns later.
Early options may include:
Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw and encourage proper growth
Partial braces to guide erupting teeth into better positions
Space maintainers if baby teeth are lost too early
Every child is different, and our goal is always to recommend the most conservative and effective approach.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Children grow quickly and small concerns can become bigger over time. An early orthodontic evaluation provides peace of mind and helps ensure your child’s smile and airway development stay on track.
We invite you to schedule a free screening with Dr. Cline at All Star Orthodontics. We’ll answer your questions, evaluate your child’s growth, and recommend next steps. A healthy smile starts early and we’re here to help every step of the way.