Back to School: When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

Early Orthodontic Evaluations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, Colville & North Spokane

As a parent, you want to give your child the best possible start, especially when it comes to their health. But when it comes to orthodontic care, many parents ask the same question:

How early should my child see an orthodontist?

At DaBell & Paventy Orthodontics, we specialize in early orthodontic evaluations for kids across North Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, and Colville, WA. Here’s what you need to know about when (and why) your child should see a pediatric orthodontist.

When Should a Child Have Their First Orthodontic Visit?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.

Why age 7?

By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which allows an orthodontist to detect developing bite issues, jaw alignment problems, or crowding early, before they become more serious.

Benefits of an Early Orthodontic Evaluation

Scheduling an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need braces right away. But it allows us to monitor growth and determine the best time to start treatment, if needed.

Early evaluations help identify:

  • Crowding or spacing problems
  • Overbite, underbite, or crossbite issues
  • Jaw growth concerns
  • Harmful oral habits (like thumb-sucking)
  • Impacted or missing permanent teeth

Early detection can lead to simpler, shorter, and less invasive treatment later on.

Does My Child Really Need Braces This Early?

Not always! Many kids won’t need braces until their early teen years, but some orthodontic issues are easier to treat while a child is still growing. This is why early evaluations are so important.

Why Choose DaBell & Paventy Orthodontics?

  • Board-certified orthodontists with years of experience
  • Friendly, kid-focused care in a fun environment
  • Convenient orthodontic locations in Washington
  • Free growth check appointments

We’re proud to be a trusted name in pediatric orthodontics for families across Eastern Washington.

Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Checkup Today!

It’s never too early to get expert advice about your child’s dental development. If you’re searching for an early orthodontic evaluation or a pediatric orthodontist near you, we’re here to help.

Call or book online at any of our locations: North Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, and Colville, WA.

Schedule your free consultation today and give your child the gift of a confident, healthy smile!

Share this on Facebook
Tweet about this
Share this on LinkedIn
Share this on Pinterest
Picture of SALT

SALT

You may also be interested in:

beyond pink at Dabell and Paventy Orthodontics

DaBell & Paventy Goes Beyond Pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but DaBell & Paventy is getting a head start by being a sponsor for Beyond Pink. Breast Cancer affects more than just our grandmothers or mothers. This awful disease has far-reaching implications, and DaBell &

READ MORE >
beach-graphic - DaBell & Paventy Orthodontics

Start your smile journey today!

Get your free consultation

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website – and we promise they are quite safe for your braces. By browsing our website, you consent to the use of those cookies.

Skip to content