Receiving an orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7 may sound early to some parents. After all, can a 7-year-old get braces? Have all of their permanent teeth even erupted at this age?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7 to screen for potential orthodontic issues. This doesn’t mean they’ll start treatment right away, or at all in some cases. Many children simply go on a growth-monitoring plan so we can keep an eye on their smile as it develops.
Here’s everything you need to know about your child’s first orthodontist appointment from your board-certified pediatric orthodontist in Winter Springs/Oviedo and Waterford Lakes!
TLDR: Why age 7 is the magic number
- Spot small issues before they grow – By age 7, Dr. Battle can detect early bite or alignment concerns while they’re easiest to treat.
- Treatment may not start yet – Many kids are simply placed on a growth-monitoring plan until the ideal time for braces or aligners.
- More value for your investment – Our exclusive Lifetime Guarantee means your child’s smile is protected for life.
- Save time and money later – Early intervention can prevent the need for surgery, extractions, or longer treatment down the road.
- Expert care close to home – Dr. Battle is the only board-certified pediatric orthodontist in Waterford Lakes, Winter Springs/Oviedo, making us the top choice for families seeking a children’s orthodontist in Orlando.
Can a 7 year old get braces or clear aligners?
Yes, in certain cases, a 7-year-old can get braces or another form of orthodontic treatment if necessary. Braces and clear aligners can work with a mixed dentition (a combination of baby and permanent teeth.)
However, this doesn’t mean your child will need braces at that age. Every smile is unique, and every child develops at his or her own pace. Whether your child needs braces depends on their jaw growth and the unique alignment of their teeth.
Some children are ready for braces at age 7, while others may need an orthodontic appliance first to guide jaw development and create a healthy bite.
The same way you should schedule the first dental appointment for your child within 6 months of their first tooth erupting or by their first birthday, it’s also important that you schedule your child’s first orthodontist appointment by age 7.
Why would braces at age 7 or 8 be necessary?
Only a comprehensive exam with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Battle can answer this question. We take an x-ray and high-tech scan of your child’s smile to get a detailed look at their teeth and jaw structure, which Dr. Battle assesses to determine whether an orthodontic issue is developing.
Some developmental issues and dental misalignments become apparent around age 7, and it’s important that these conditions don’t go undetected and/or untreated. When untreated conditions progress, these can lead to:
- Chewing difficulties
- Speech impediments
- Digestive issues from poor chewing ability
- Jaw or tooth pain
- Poor self-esteem related to smile appearance
Peace of Mind for Parents: Our Lifetime Guarantee
Choosing Premiere Orthodontics means getting more value from your child’s treatment, and more confidence in their results. We’re proud to offer our exclusive Lifetime Guarantee, a promise you won’t find with any other orthodontist near you.
If your child completes treatment with us but later experiences orthodontic relapse (when teeth shift out of place, often from not wearing a retainer), Dr. Battle will replace their braces at no cost for the braces themselves. You’ll only cover a small monthly adjustment fee and the cost of a new retainer.
For parents, this means your investment, and your child’s beautiful smile, are protected for life. It’s just one more way we go above and beyond to make sure you feel confident that you’ve chosen the right place for your child’s orthodontic care!
How Early Intervention (Orthodontics for Kids) Works
“Braces for 7 year olds” doesn’t have to mean ‘braces’. Orthodontic appliances are often used in the younger years to create sufficient room in the mouth for all permanent teeth to erupt in alignment.
Palatal expanders
Palatal expanders are one of the most common orthodontic appliances used for children. These appliances are designed to widen a narrow palate, or upper jaw bone, to prevent teeth from growing crowded or misaligned and to correct the bite on posterior teeth that do not fit together properly. A number of orthodontic problems are caused by narrow jaw bones, and when the jaw bones have stabilized in the adult years, widening them or expanding them may require jaw surgery.
If we recommend orthodontic treatment for your child, clear aligners may also be an option! We use a specialty series of kids’ clear aligners designed to work with mixed dentition (baby and adult teeth) to create beautiful, healthy smiles without braces.
Advantages of Braces for Kids
Early orthodontic treatment is designed to work alongside the natural growth and development of the jaw bones, facial bones and teeth. By guiding the jaws and teeth while they’re still developing, we encourage them to grow into a healthy alignment, instead of treating them after they’ve grown into misalignment.
This early approach (also called interceptive orthodontics) can:
- Reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery
- Prevent extraction of healthy teeth
- Improve bite function early to prevent challenges for your little one
- Shorten or simplify the treatment route
- Prevent discomfort for your child
- Minimize the cost of orthodontic treatment
- Support your child in developing confidence and strong self-esteem that last a lifetime
Parents’ FAQs About Pediatric Orthodontics
Will my child have to get braces at age 7?
Not always. Many children are simply monitored every 6–12 months until the right time for treatment. On your child’s first visit, Dr. Battle will assess your kiddo’s smile, then give you all of the answers you need about their smile!
How long will my child wear braces or clear aligners?
It depends on the issue being treated. Some early intervention treatments are completed in two separate phases, called ‘two-phase orthodontics’. The first phase may last only 6–12 months, with a second phase completed in the teen years. Others may be treated in one phase lasting about 18–24 months. Your child’s treatment plan will be completely personalized to their needs.
Is early orthodontic treatment more expensive?
Not necessarily — in fact, it can save money long-term by preventing more extensive procedures. Most dental insurances have an orthodontic benefit too, which can cover a significant portion of your child’s treatment.
We’re proud to accept all PPO insurance plans, HMO and DeltaCare, and we’ll help you understand your insurance coverage before we get started.
Do you offer payment plans for kids’ orthodontics?
Yes! You don’t have to pay in full for orthodontic treatment with us. We offer flexible 0% interest, in-house financing, and outside financing with CareCredit or LendingPoint.
We also offer all orthodontic treatments at the same price with no down payment, or low monthly payments. We’re here to make the cost of orthodontic treatment fit your budget, and we’ll create a customized payment plan for you during your first visit.
What if my child’s teeth shift again after treatment?
Our Premiere Ortho Lifetime Guarantee means your child’s smile is protected for life. If they complete treatment with us but later experience orthodontic relapse (teeth shifting out of place), Dr. Battle will replace their braces.
You’ll only cover a small monthly adjustment fee and the cost of a new retainer. Whether you visit our children’s orthodontist in Winter Springs/Oviedo, or Waterford Lakes in Orlando, you can feel confident that your investment — and your child’s smile — will stand the test of time.
Schedule your child’s first exam today!
Remember, receiving an orthodontic evaluation doesn’t mean that your child will begin treatment! It’s simply a precautionary measure to ensure that there aren’t any problematic conditions lurking and progressing into more complex problems.
Dr. Battle and our team always have you and your child’s best interest in mind! We’re not focused on “sales”, we’re focused on providing you with solutions that enable you to live your greatest quality of life.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. If you’re looking for a top kids’ orthodontist in Orlando, book a complimentary consultation for your child!
