July 7th marks Smiles at 7 Day, a special yearly event created by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to spread awareness about the importance of early orthodontic evaluations. While many parents assume that braces and orthodontic care come into play during the teenage years, the truth is that your child’s first orthodontic check-up should happen much earlier—by age 7.
Why age 7? By this stage, most children have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which gives orthodontists valuable insight into how their adult smile is developing. The first molars have typically erupted, allowing for an assessment of the bite from front to back. This makes age 7 an ideal time to detect potential issues with jaw growth, tooth alignment, crowding, or bite development—before they progress into more serious or complex problems.
At Murphy Orthodontics, board-certified orthodontist Chris Murphy, DDS, MS offers comprehensive care tailored to children and adolescents. Dr. Murphy frequently uses various types of braces and Invisalign® Teen to address concerns such as misalignment, bite irregularities, and crowding. Committed to the value of early intervention, he takes pride in helping patients of all ages achieve healthy, confident smiles.
The Power of Early Intervention
Think of an early orthodontic evaluation as a proactive approach to your child’s oral health. Just like regular dental cleanings help prevent cavities, seeing an orthodontist by age 7 can help prevent or minimize the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later on.
Some of the conditions an orthodontist might identify during an early exam include:
- Crowding of teeth
- Overbites or underbites
- Crossbites
- Excessive spacing
- Jaw growth irregularities
In many cases, early treatment can guide the development of your child’s jaw and teeth, allowing room for permanent teeth to come in properly and aligning the bite. This can help reduce the risk of dental trauma, speech difficulties, and the need for tooth extractions or surgery later in life.
A Beautiful Smile, A Healthy Future
Orthodontic care isn’t just about aesthetics—though a straight, confident smile is certainly a wonderful bonus! More importantly, it lays the foundation for long-term dental health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Early intervention can also improve the function of one’s bite, making it easier for children to chew, speak, and breathe properly.
What Happens at the First Visit?
If you’re wondering what to expect during your child’s first orthodontic appointment, rest assured it is generally simple and painless. An orthodontist will likely examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and facial structure. X-rays or digital scans may be used to see how the permanent teeth are developing and identify any concerns. From there, the orthodontist can determine whether treatment is needed right away or if your child should simply be monitored over time.
In many cases, no immediate action is necessary—but having a specialist keep an eye on your child’s development helps ensure that any issues are caught and treated at just the right time.
Make Smiles at 7 Day a Reminder, Not a Deadline
While Smiles at 7 Day is a helpful reminder, it is important to note that your child can (and should) see an orthodontist at any point after age 7 if they haven’t already. The key is not waiting until all permanent teeth have come in or until problems have become obvious. Early check-ups can make all the difference in the outcome—and cost—of your child’s future orthodontic care.
Take the First Step Toward a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
As a parent, you want the best for your child—including a healthy smile that lasts into adulthood. Smiles at 7 Day is a call to action to help you take that first step. Scheduling an orthodontic consultation by age 7 gives your child the best chance at optimal oral health and may even shorten or simplify treatment in the long run.
So, mark your calendar for July 7th and make it a celebration of your child’s smile. Whether it’s their first visit or a follow-up, seeing an orthodontist early is one of the best investments you can make in their health and happiness.
To learn more about child orthodontic care or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Murphy, please contact our practice today.
July 7th marks Smiles at 7 Day, a special yearly event created by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to spread awareness about the importance of early orthodontic evaluations. While many parents assume that braces and orthodontic care come into play during the teenage years, the truth is that your child’s first orthodontic check-up should happen much earlier—by age 7.
Why age 7? By this stage, most children have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which gives orthodontists valuable insight into how their adult smile is developing. The first molars have typically erupted, allowing for an assessment of the bite from front to back. This makes age 7 an ideal time to detect potential issues with jaw growth, tooth alignment, crowding, or bite development—before they progress into more serious or complex problems.
At Murphy Orthodontics, board-certified orthodontist Chris Murphy, DDS, MS offers comprehensive care tailored to children and adolescents. Dr. Murphy frequently uses various types of braces and Invisalign® Teen to address concerns such as misalignment, bite irregularities, and crowding. Committed to the value of early intervention, he takes pride in helping patients of all ages achieve healthy, confident smiles.
The Power of Early Intervention
Think of an early orthodontic evaluation as a proactive approach to your child’s oral health. Just like regular dental cleanings help prevent cavities, seeing an orthodontist by age 7 can help prevent or minimize the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later on.
Some of the conditions an orthodontist might identify during an early exam include:
- Crowding of teeth
- Overbites or underbites
- Crossbites
- Excessive spacing
- Jaw growth irregularities
In many cases, early treatment can guide the development of your child’s jaw and teeth, allowing room for permanent teeth to come in properly and aligning the bite. This can help reduce the risk of dental trauma, speech difficulties, and the need for tooth extractions or surgery later in life.
A Beautiful Smile, A Healthy Future
Orthodontic care isn’t just about aesthetics—though a straight, confident smile is certainly a wonderful bonus! More importantly, it lays the foundation for long-term dental health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Early intervention can also improve the function of one’s bite, making it easier for children to chew, speak, and breathe properly.
What Happens at the First Visit?
If you’re wondering what to expect during your child’s first orthodontic appointment, rest assured it is generally simple and painless. An orthodontist will likely examine your child’s teeth, jaws, and facial structure. X-rays or digital scans may be used to see how the permanent teeth are developing and identify any concerns. From there, the orthodontist can determine whether treatment is needed right away or if your child should simply be monitored over time.
In many cases, no immediate action is necessary—but having a specialist keep an eye on your child’s development helps ensure that any issues are caught and treated at just the right time.
Make Smiles at 7 Day a Reminder, Not a Deadline
While Smiles at 7 Day is a helpful reminder, it is important to note that your child can (and should) see an orthodontist at any point after age 7 if they haven’t already. The key is not waiting until all permanent teeth have come in or until problems have become obvious. Early check-ups can make all the difference in the outcome—and cost—of your child’s future orthodontic care.
Take the First Step Toward a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
As a parent, you want the best for your child—including a healthy smile that lasts into adulthood. Smiles at 7 Day is a call to action to help you take that first step. Scheduling an orthodontic consultation by age 7 gives your child the best chance at optimal oral health and may even shorten or simplify treatment in the long run.
So, mark your calendar for July 7th and make it a celebration of your child’s smile. Whether it’s their first visit or a follow-up, seeing an orthodontist early is one of the best investments you can make in their health and happiness.
To learn more about child orthodontic care or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Murphy, please contact our practice today.
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