When Should You Take Your Child to the Orthodontist?
07 Mar 2025
Children should generally have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this stage, an orthodontist can assess how the permanent teeth, bite, and jaws are developing and identify concerns that may need treatment or monitoring.
Seeing an orthodontist around age 7 does not mean your child will get braces at age 7. For many children, the first visit simply helps determine whether development is progressing as expected or should be monitored as more permanent teeth come in.
Around this age, children typically have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth, giving the orthodontist an opportunity to evaluate tooth eruption, spacing, bite development, and jaw growth.
What Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Appointment?
Your child’s first orthodontic visit begins with an evaluation of their teeth, bite, and jaw development. The orthodontist will discuss any concerns and may recommend orthodontic records or imaging when appropriate.
During the assessment, the orthodontist may look at:
- How permanent teeth are erupting
- Whether there is enough space for developing teeth
- Crowding or unusual spacing
- How the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Your child’s bite
- Jaw growth and development
After the assessment, parents should have a clearer understanding of whether no treatment is currently needed, their child’s development should be monitored, or orthodontic treatment may be recommended.
How Much Does an Orthodontic 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.
For current fees and orthodontic pricing, visit our Kids Dental Group pricing guide.
Does My Child Need a Referral to See an Orthodontist?
No. Your child does not need a dentist referral to have an orthodontic assessment at Kids Dental Group. Parents can schedule an orthodontic consultation directly if they have concerns about their child’s teeth, bite, or dental development.
Your child’s dentist may also recommend an orthodontic assessment if they notice a concern during a routine dental visit.
What Happens If My Child Doesn’t Need Treatment Yet?
If your child doesn’t need orthodontic treatment right away, the orthodontist may recommend monitoring their development.
Follow-up appointments allow the orthodontic team to observe how permanent teeth are erupting and how the teeth, bite, and jaws are changing as your child grows.
The timing of these appointments depends on your child’s individual needs. Your orthodontist will recommend when your child should return rather than following the same schedule for every patient.
Does Seeing an Orthodontist at Age 7 Mean My Child Needs Braces?
No. An orthodontic evaluation around age 7 doesn’t mean braces need to start at that age.
The purpose of the first evaluation is to identify developing orthodontic concerns and determine whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all.
Many children who are evaluated at age 7 are simply monitored as their permanent teeth and jaws continue to develop.
For more information about treatment timing, read our guide to the best age for braces.
When Will My Child Actually Be Ready for Braces?
A first orthodontic evaluation and starting braces are two different milestones. Many children are evaluated years before comprehensive orthodontic treatment begins.
The appropriate time to start braces depends on factors such as permanent tooth eruption, bite development, jaw growth, and the orthodontic problem being treated.
Learn more about how orthodontists determine when a child is ready to start braces.
What If My Child Is Already Older Than 7?
Age 7 is a recommended time for an initial orthodontic evaluation, not a deadline. If your child is older and hasn’t yet seen an orthodontist, it’s still worthwhile to schedule an assessment if you have concerns about their teeth or bite.
An orthodontist can evaluate your child’s current development and determine whether treatment is recommended now, later, or not at all.
Should My Child See an Orthodontist Before Age 7?
Some children may benefit from an orthodontic assessment before age 7 if a dentist identifies a developing concern or if there is a noticeable problem with the teeth, bite, or jaws.
Parents who are concerned about their child’s dental development don’t need to wait for a specific birthday to ask whether an assessment is appropriate.
If you’re noticing changes in your child’s smile or bite, see our guide to 11 signs your child might need braces.
Is It Time for Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit?
If your child is around age 7, has never had an orthodontic evaluation, or you’re concerned about how their teeth or bite are developing, an orthodontic assessment can help provide clarity.
The orthodontist can determine whether your child needs treatment, should be monitored, or doesn’t currently require orthodontic care.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About a Child’s First Orthodontic Visit
What age should a child first see an orthodontist?
Children should generally have an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7. This allows an orthodontist to assess the developing permanent teeth, bite, and jaws even if treatment isn’t currently needed.
Is age 7 too early for an orthodontist?
No. An evaluation at age 7 doesn’t mean a child will start braces. It allows an orthodontist to identify developing concerns and determine whether the child needs treatment or simply needs to be monitored.
What if my child is 10, 12, or older and has never seen an orthodontist?
Age 7 isn’t a deadline. Older children can still have an orthodontic assessment to determine how their teeth and bite are developing and whether treatment may be beneficial.
Will my child get braces at their first orthodontic appointment?
Not necessarily. An initial appointment focuses on assessing your child’s orthodontic needs. If treatment is recommended, the orthodontist will explain the treatment plan and appropriate timing.
