You should take your child for their first orthodontic checkup by age 7, as recommended by the Canadian Association of Orthodontists. At this stage, a mix of baby and adult teeth makes it easier for an orthodontist to spot potential problems with jaw growth, bite alignment, and tooth spacing. Even if everything looks fine, an early visit helps track changes as your child grows.
Some children don’t need treatment right away, but regular monitoring allows the orthodontist to step in at the right time. Catching issues early can prevent more complicated problems later, reducing the need for extractions or extensive treatments. Common concerns like crowding, crossbites, and misaligned jaws are much easier to manage when a child is still developing.
Orthodontists use X-rays and exams to check for problems you can’t see. Some adult teeth may be missing, extra teeth may be hidden under the gums, or the jaw may not be growing evenly. Identifying these issues early makes treatment smoother and more effective. Even if no action is needed, having an orthodontist track your child’s dental development gives you peace of mind.
What To Expect at the Appointment
Your child’s first orthodontic visit is a simple, stress-free evaluation. The orthodontist will examine their teeth, jaw, and bite to check how everything is developing. They will also ask about habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting, which can affect tooth alignment.
A panoramic X-ray will help the orthodontist see teeth that haven’t come in yet and check the position of developing adult teeth. This provides a clear picture of your child’s dental growth and serves as a baseline for future visits. Even if treatment isn’t needed right away, having this information helps guide decisions later.
If the orthodontist notices potential issues, they will explain possible next steps. Some children may benefit from early treatments like expanders, habit-correction appliances, or partial braces to guide jaw development and create space for adult teeth. Others may just need regular monitoring, with checkups every year or so.
Before the visit ends, the orthodontist will give you advice on oral hygiene and how to support your child’s dental health. They will also outline a follow-up plan, so you know when to bring your child back for their next checkup. Whether your child needs immediate treatment or just routine monitoring, this first visit sets the stage for a healthy, well-aligned smile.
How Much Does a Consultation Cost?
Many parents worry about the cost of an orthodontic visit, but an initial consultation is often more affordable than expected. In the Toronto area, most clinics charge around $350 for the first appointment, which includes an exam and X-rays. After this visit, ongoing monitoring appointments usually cost between $50 and $100 per session.
At Kids Dental Group, we offer both the first consultation and follow-up checkups for free. This makes it easier for you to stay informed about your child’s dental growth without worrying about extra costs. Since early monitoring can prevent more complicated treatments later, investing in orthodontic care at the right time may save you money in the long run.
Read our guide on how much braces cost in the Toronto area
Do You Need a Referral to See an Orthodontist?
You don’t need a referral to book an orthodontic appointment for your child. Many parents assume a dentist must recommend a visit, but you can reach out to an orthodontist directly. This allows you to address concerns early instead of waiting for a dentist’s suggestion.
Even though dentists sometimes advise parents to take their child to an orthodontist, it’s better not to wait until a problem is obvious. Early checkups help track growth and spot hidden issues before they become more serious. If your child is around age 7, booking an orthodontic evaluation on your own is a smart step.
How Frequently Should You Go for Checkups?
The timing of orthodontic visits depends on your child’s needs. If no immediate treatment is required, the orthodontist will likely suggest regular monitoring. Most children return for a checkup once a year or every 18 months to track changes in their teeth and jaw.
If your child starts treatment, visits will happen more often. Braces and other orthodontic appliances require adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks. These appointments keep progress on track and ensure that everything shifts as planned.
Regular visits help the orthodontist catch any developing concerns early. Tracking jaw growth and tooth movement over time makes treatment more effective and prevents complications. Even if your child doesn’t need braces right away, keeping up with checkups gives them the best chance for a healthy smile.
Why Early Screening is Important
Taking your child to an orthodontist early can prevent small problems from turning into bigger ones. When jaw growth and tooth alignment are checked at a young age, the orthodontist can spot issues before they require complicated treatment. Some problems, like crowding or misaligned jaws, are much easier to fix when a child is still growing.
Early screening also helps avoid unnecessary tooth extractions or even jaw surgery later. By guiding teeth into better positions before they become too crowded, orthodontists can often reduce the need for more invasive procedures. Catching problems early can also improve speech, chewing, and overall dental health.
X-rays taken at an early age help identify issues that aren’t visible, like missing or extra teeth. Since orthodontic problems become harder to fix as a child gets older, early checkups make future treatment easier and may lower the overall cost. Even if your child doesn’t need treatment right away, monitoring their growth helps plan for the right time to start.
Read our article on signs your child might need braces
At What Age Do Kids Usually Get Braces?
Most kids get braces when they have most of their adult teeth, which usually happens around age 11. This is the ideal time because their jaws are still growing, making it easier to shift teeth into the right position. Early checkups, starting at age 7 or 8, help the orthodontist decide the best time for braces.
Some children need braces earlier, while others benefit from waiting a little longer. Dental age and actual age don’t always match, so an orthodontist tracks each child’s development to recommend the right timing. Starting braces too early or too late can affect how well they work, so monitoring helps avoid unnecessary delays or rushed treatment.
Braces usually stay on for about two years, but the length of treatment depends on when it begins and how much correction is needed. The sooner an orthodontist can evaluate your child’s teeth, the better they can plan for the right timing and best results.
What If You’ve Waited Too Long?
If your child hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, it’s not too late to get started. Orthodontic treatment works at any age, but early care can make the process easier. Waiting longer may mean more time in braces or additional steps, but good results are still possible.
Teenagers and adults can still straighten their teeth with braces or clear aligners. However, older patients may need longer treatment because their jaws have finished growing. More complex cases might require extra procedures, like removing teeth or using appliances to correct bite issues.
Even if your child is past the ideal age for early intervention, an orthodontist can create a plan that works. The best time to start is now, so scheduling a consultation will help you understand the next steps. Orthodontic care improves not just the look of a smile but also oral health, making it worth the effort at any age.
Book a Free Orthodontic Consultation at Kids Dental Group
Early orthodontic care helps your child’s teeth and jaw develop properly. A checkup by age 7 ensures that any issues are caught early, making treatment easier and more effective. If your child needs braces later, regular monitoring helps determine the right time to start.
Kids Dental Group offers free consultations and follow-up visits to make orthodontic care accessible.