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When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist? Why Age 7 Matters 

If you're wondering, “When should my child see an orthodontist?” — the answer may surprise you. 

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. 

Early orthodontic exams help identify developing problems before they become more serious — potentially saving time, money, and more complex treatment later. 

Why Is Age 7 the Best Time for an Orthodontic Check? 

By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This stage allows an orthodontist to detect: 

• Bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite) 

• Jaw growth irregularities 

• Crowding or spacing issues 

• Impacted teeth 

• Harmful oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting) 

• Early or late loss of baby teeth 

Even if your child does not need braces right away, an early orthodontic evaluation establishes a growth baseline and allows for proper monitoring. 

Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment 

While every child should be evaluated by age 7, some signs indicate a visit may be especially important: 

• Difficulty chewing or biting 

• Mouth breathing 

• Teeth that stick out 

• Early or late loss of baby teeth 

• Crowded or blocked-out teeth 

• Jaws that shift, pop, or make sounds 

• Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth 

If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling an orthodontic consultation is highly recommended. 

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment? 

In some cases, children benefit from early interceptive treatment (Phase 1), typically between ages 7–10. 

Phase 1 treatment may include: 

• Partial braces 

• Palatal expanders 

• Space maintainers 

• Habit appliances 

The goal of early treatment is to: 

• Guide jaw development 

• Create space for permanent teeth 

• Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding teeth 

• Improve bite alignment 

• Minimize the need for extractions later 

After Phase 1, your child will enter a resting period before Phase 2 (full braces or clear aligners) begins in the teen years.

When most people think of orthodontics, they imagine straight teeth and picture-perfect smiles. While cosmetic improvement is one of the most visible benefits, the importance of orthodontic care goes far deeper. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws — and it plays a vital role in your overall oral and systemic health. Dr. Hadgis completes a thorough analysis of the teeth and bone using advanced systems of 3D digital cone beam x-rays, 3D digital impressions and computerized treatment planning. Using the 3D images he can center the roots of the teeth in the bone and lock in the bite to create not only a beautifully aligned smile but one that is healthy and addresses the unique needs of each of our patients.  

1. Improved Oral Health 

Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to clean properly, making it easier for plaque and bacteria to accumulate. This can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss over time. By aligning the teeth, orthodontic treatment makes brushing and flossing more effective, reducing the risk of long-term dental issues. 

2. Better Bite Function 

Misaligned teeth or jaws can cause a bad bite (malocclusion), which may lead to problems with chewing and speaking. An improper bite can also place stress on the jaw joints and muscles, resulting in pain or conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Orthodontics helps correct bite issues, making everyday functions like eating and speaking more comfortable and efficient. 

3. Prevention of Future Dental Problems 

Early orthodontic treatment, especially for children and teens, can help guide jaw growth and prevent more serious dental issues in the future. By addressing problems early, it’s possible to avoid tooth extractions, surgeries, or more complex treatments later in life. 

4. Boost in Self-Confidence 

A confident smile can impact every part of life — from social interactions to job interviews. Many people who undergo orthodontic treatment report increased self-esteem and a better self-image once they feel proud of their smile. 

5. Long-Term Cost Savings 

Correcting dental problems through orthodontics can help prevent costly procedures down the line. Issues like tooth wear, cavities, gum disease, and jaw pain may require extensive treatment if left unchecked. Investing in orthodontic care now can lead to fewer problems and lower expenses in the future. 

6. Improved Speech 

Certain orthodontic problems, such as gaps or misaligned teeth, can interfere with proper pronunciation. Aligning the teeth and jaws can improve speech clarity and eliminate speech impediments caused by dental issues. 

Final Thoughts 

Orthodontics is not just about looking good — it's about feeling good, functioning better, and living a healthier life. Whether you’re a parent considering treatment for your child or an adult exploring orthodontic options, now is an excellent time to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Hadgis to better understand how straightening your teeth could improve your health and smile. No referral is necessary, and the initial consultation is complimentary! 

A straight smile may be the most noticeable outcome, but the hidden benefits of orthodontic care can last a lifetime. 

Choosing clear aligners was a great decision on your part! Straight teeth and a healthy bite? Subtle, almost invisible aligners? 3D technology custom-designed just for you? All the positives we’ve come to expect from your choice of orthodontic treatment.

So, don’t sabotage your good work! Here are five negative habits that will prevent you from getting the most out of your aligners:

1. Don’t forget to keep them clean

One of the reasons you chose clear aligners is because they are nearly invisible. But careless cleaning habits can leave them discolored, scratched, or cloudy. Soaking in colored mouthwash can stain aligners. Using abrasive cleaning products or brushing with a heavy hand can cause scratches. And failing to keep aligners clean can lead to a buildup of cloudy plaque. Talk to us! We know all the best products and practices to keep your aligners their most sanitary—and most invisible.

2. Don’t eat with your aligners in place

Aligners are simply not meant to be used while you eat. Chewing puts too much stress and pressure on them, and can lead to aligner damage and even breakage. Because you will be wearing your aligners for most of the day, planning ahead for your meals is key. One bonus: it’s a great way to eliminate unconscious snacking.

3. Don’t let foods or drinks stain your aligners

It’s great that you take your aligners out to eat, but do you remember to brush before you replace them? Foods like spaghetti sauce and blueberries that stick to your enamel can stain your aligners. And it’s always best to remove your aligners before drinking a beverage. If a drink can stain your teeth, it can stain your aligners. Red wines, dark juices, colas, and, of course, coffee and tea can cause discoloration. Another thing to consider? Food particles in the trays can not only stain your aligners (and your enamel), but keep your teeth in contact with the acids and sugars that lead to cavities.

4. Don’t run hot

Aligners are formed using heat, so it makes sense that heat can de-form them as well. Drinking hot beverages with your aligners in place can change their shape—and even subtle changes will affect your progress. Since warped aligners might have to be replaced, save the piping hot beverages for those times you’re not wearing aligners. It’s best not to clean them with very hot water as well.

5. Don’t forget to wear them

Aligners need to be worn approximately 20-22 hours each day. If you’re not putting in the required time, you’re delaying your progress. If you’re having trouble with scheduling meals or activities, talk to Drs. Jimmy Glenos and Craig Hadgis when you visit our St. Johns or St. Augustine, FL office. We have suggestions.

But let’s not just dwell on the negatives. We like to focus on the positive, too, so here’s the one item on your “Do List” that will absolutely make your aligner experience the best it can be:

Do follow our recommendations!

Clean your aligners with the proper tools and products—and clean your teeth and aligners after every meal and snack. Remember that water is the only guaranteed problem-free beverage. Don’t expose aligners to heat or eat with them in place, because they can be warped or damaged. And be sure to wear them as long as you need to each day—this will keep your treatment on track and on schedule.

Enjoying a future filled with beautiful, healthy smiles? That’s not just a positive—it’s a happily-ever-after!

Damon Smile braces are a unique type of self-ligating braces that allow you to eliminate the rubber bands that cause so much trouble for traditional braces wearers. These braces use a steady pattern of pressure to correct your teeth, and they can shift your teeth more rapidly than traditional braces can.

The unique design of Damon Smile braces helps to reduce the buildup of food particles and debris that can tend to get lodged in the brackets of traditional metal braces. Thus, eating with Damon Smile can actually be easier because your cleaning job is simpler.

There are several different foods that you might want to focus on during your early days with Damon Smile braces. The most important thing to remember is that you need to focus on soft foods and non-chewy foods immediately after you get your Damon Smile braces. Remember to chew carefully and evenly as you start to adjust to your new braces.

As you become comfortable with the braces, consider gradually re-introducing the crunchier and harder foods that you usually enjoy. Most Damon Smile braces patients are able to eat virtually anything that they usually can, as long as caution is used. However, particularly chewy foods, for example taffy, are something that you might want to avoid in general.

Some Damon Smile braces patients tell us that they are successful in eating all the same foods they did prior to braces! Overall, you can expect a very smooth transition into wearing Damon Smile braces, and you will be able to enjoy remarkably fast smile correction at the same time.

If you are curious about Damon Smile braces or if you have specific questions about how they can help you, please feel free to contact our St. Johns or St. Augustine, FL office anytime!