Some milestones come with clear timing: first words, first steps, the first day of school. But orthodontic care doesn’t always follow such a visible schedule. Unlike a loose tooth or a growth spurt, the signs that it’s time for an orthodontic checkup can be easy to miss. That’s why knowing at what age your child should visit an orthodontist at Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is so important. Below is your intro to early orthodontic care, covering all you need to understand when to take that first step, what to expect, and how early visits can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.
What Is An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the treatment of teeth and jaw misalignments!
General dentists work with you and your child to keep the mouth clean and healthy. They do this through regular cleanings and teaching good oral hygiene habits, like how to properly brush and floss, with age-appropriate methods and techniques.
Orthodontists, on the other hand, help keep the mouth organized by ensuring every tooth has its place and that the jaw is situated in the best position possible. Using metal braces, space maintainers, Invisalign First clear aligners, and more, we can create straighter alignemnts and more functional bites for a more confident, comfortable smile. Often, orthodontists and dentists collaborate to give patients of all ages excellent care that addresses all their concerns.
At Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our orthodontist is board-certified. That means they’ve chosen to take on extra, optional exams to show their work to other orthodontists in the field. The process is a highly trusted and respected way to double-check that their approach meets a high standard of care and that they’re staying current with the science and techniques that matter. It helps give families extra peace of mind that their child is being cared for by someone who’s committed to and deeply experienced in this area of dentistry.
What Age Is Recommended For The First Visit?
Your child already has a dentist to make sure their smile grows happy and healthy. So, why does the American Association of Orthodontics suggest that all children should see a pediatric orthodontist—another oral healthcare provider—for the first time at the age of seven?
The truth is this: even though braces and orthodontic care are usually associated with teenagers, orthodontic issues don’t always get the memo that they’re not supposed to arrive before the teen years.
Some children would benefit from two-phase orthodontic treatment. Phase one occurs when children are younger, while they still have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. After a short break, phase two picks up again when your child is older, usually when they’re a teenager. The first phase makes the second phase easier and quicker, so your child can get out of braces sooner rather than later.
Most children don’t need two-phase treatment and, with close supervision from an orthodontist in Citrus Heights while they grow, can wait until their teen years. However, early evaluations by an orthodontist are the most accurate way to know when the right time to start is. These assessments are essential for all kids, even if they look like they don’t need any orthodontic care. Orthodontists can spot issues the untrained eye might miss, including identifying warning signs that mean your child is at risk of developing concerns in the future. These fast, commitment-free, and stress-free appointments are like having a crystal ball for your child’s smile, allowing you and your orthodontist to plan the most beneficial and efficient treatment timeline.
How Could Early Treatment Benefit Your Child?
There are many benefits to childhood orthodontic treatment. Some are obvious and expected, like straighter teeth, but even that comes with more perks than what you see on the surface.
- Children with straight teeth are more likely to have better oral hygiene. This is because learning how to brush and floss correctly and thoroughly is less challenging and frustrating when the teeth are straight.
- With better oral hygiene comes better oral health. When they can keep their teeth and gums free of bacteria and plaque, they’ll experience fewer cavities, have less risk for gum irritation, and avoid bad breath and other oral health problems. They’ll also be less likely to develop dental anxiety.
- Straight teeth, healthy mouths, and fresh breath make for confident smiles. When kids aren’t worried about how their teeth look or smell, they’re more likely to smile freely, speak clearly, and engage with others. That comfort in their own appearance often leads to stronger self-esteem, especially during social and developmental milestones.
But that’s not all. When orthodontists can work with a growing mouth, treatment can be gentler and more efficient. Children’s jaws and teeth are still developing, so they’re often more responsive to change than adults. This means that we can address additional problems, such as mouth breathing, chewing difficulties, jaw pain, sleep apnea, and more, before they begin to have side effects.
What Happens At The First Consultation With An Orthodontist In Citrus Heights?
The first orthodontic consultation is simple and low-pressure. It’s mostly about learning and discussing the options for your child. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect so you don’t feel like a fish out of water.
- Greeted By The Front Desk: Everyone who walks through our doors will be welcomed by our front desk team. They’ll get you checked in and make sure that all paperwork is completed and insurance is on file.
- X-Rays & Photos: Next, we’ll take x-rays and photos of your child’s mouth. These give us a full picture of what’s happening above and below the gums so we can make well-informed treatment recommendations.
- Examination: Our Citrus Heights orthodontist will perform a gentle exam to evaluate your child’s bite, spacing, and overall development.
- Discussion: After reviewing everything, we’ll talk through what we’ve found. If your child is ready for treatment, we’ll explain the options and what the next steps could look like. If treatment isn’t needed now, we’ll go over the monitoring process, why it’s important, and when your follow-up should be.
Every step of the appointment is explained to the young patient in child-friendly terms in real time. When children know what’s going on, they’re less likely to feel nervous or like a fish on a hook, being reeled from station to station, confused, anxious, and unwilling. Instead, they feel included in the experience, which builds trust in the team (making future appointments easier) and encourages cooperation in their care (both in and out of the office).
Don’t Wait To Address Misalignment
You don’t have to have a referral from a dentist or wait until something seems “off” with your child’s smile to see an orthodontist. A simple consultation can offer peace of mind, helpful guidance, and a clear understanding of what their smile might need down the road. It’s an easy, friendly way to stay one step ahead and feel confident in your child’s oral health journey.
We’d be honored to be part of your child’s care team. Schedule a free orthodontic consultation with Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Citrus Heights today.