When should my child see an orthodontist?

A great time for a first orthodontic check is around age 7. That doesn’t mean your child will need braces at 7—it simply gives us a chance to see how the bite is developing while there’s still a lot of growth to work with.

At Graf Orthodontics, we look at a few key things: how the upper and lower jaws relate, whether there’s crowding, how the front teeth are meeting, and whether the bite is creating wear or forcing the jaw to shift.

We also watch for spacing, crossbites, underbites/overbites, and habits that can affect development (like thumb/finger sucking or chronic mouth breathing). Sometimes the teeth look ‘fine’ but the bite tells a different story.

In many cases, the right answer is simply monitoring. We’ll track growth and eruption and recommend the best window for treatment so you don’t start too early—or miss the easiest time to make a change.

When early treatment is recommended, it’s usually because we can guide growth or reduce a developing problem. Examples include expanding a narrow upper jaw, correcting a crossbite, making space for crowded teeth, or helping an underbite before it becomes more difficult.

Early treatment can also lower the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth and can simplify later phase-two braces or aligners. The goal is a healthier bite and a smoother path to the final smile.

If you’re not sure when to come in, that’s exactly what a complimentary consultation is for. We’ll make it simple, answer your questions, and give you a clear plan based on your child’s needs.