Parents in Long Beach have a lot on their plates. Between school drop-offs, soccer practice, and family dinners, scheduling yet another appointment can feel overwhelming. But when it comes to a child’s developing smile, one visit stands out from the rest. So what is the right age for a first orthodontic check-up?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age seven. At Garlington Orthodontics, with over 35 years of experience treating young patients in the Long Beach area, we strongly agree with that guideline.
Why Age Seven?
By age seven, a child’s mouth has a good mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This allows us to spot potential problems that might not be visible to a parent’s eye. Things like crowding, bite issues, or problems with jaw growth can be identified early.
The goal is not to start treatment on every child who walks through our door. In fact, most seven-year-olds do not need active treatment right away. Instead, the visit is about creating a roadmap. We can tell parents what to expect, when to come back, and whether any early steps would help down the road.
What Happens During That First Visit?
We know that young patients can feel nervous about seeing any doctor. That’s why we designed our office to be welcoming and relaxed. Our staff greets families with warm smiles and takes time to answer every question.
During the check-up, Dr. Garlington takes a gentle look at the child’s teeth and jaws. We do not take x-rays unless they are truly needed, and there is no pressure to start treatment. The visit is low-stress and informative. Parents walk away understanding their child’s growth pattern and knowing exactly what to watch for.
When is Early Treatment Actually Needed?
For some children, early treatment (sometimes called Phase One) can make a huge difference. We might recommend this for issues like a severe overbite, a crossbite that could affect jaw growth, or significant crowding.
The benefit of catching these things early is simple: it can prevent bigger problems later. In some cases, early treatment even makes the second phase of orthodontics shorter and simpler. We specialize in these early approaches at Garlington Orthodontics, including using Invisalign for growing children when appropriate.
What if My Child Doesn’t Need Treatment Yet?
That is great news. We will simply put the child on a monitoring schedule, often with check-ups once a year. As the permanent teeth continue to come in, we keep an eye on things. When the time is right for braces or aligners, the family will know well in advance. No surprises.
Start You Child’s Treatment Today
Bringing a child in by age seven is not about rushing into treatment. It is about peace of mind. Parents get answers. Kids get comfortable with our office. And we get a head start on planning for a healthy, beautiful smile.
Our team welcomes families from across Long Beach for these early visits. The process is friendly, easy, and designed with young patients in mind. Give us a call today to schedule a first check-up. It might just be the easiest appointment on your calendar.