When Should My Child Start Orthodontics?
As a parent, you may be wondering when the right time is to bring your child to the orthodontist. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, early evaluation plays a crucial role in identifying any potential issues with bite alignment, jaw development, or crowded teeth. Our orthodontist in Coralville and Iowa City, IA, encourages parents to schedule their by age 7, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists.
Why Age 7?
By age 7, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. This transitional period gives orthodontists the opportunity to detect early problems with the bite or jaw growth. While many children won’t need immediate treatment, this initial visit helps track their development and determine the best time for intervention, if necessary.
Phase 1 Treatment vs. Later Braces
Some children benefit from what’s known as , which typically starts between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase 1 treatment is used to address more significant orthodontic concerns early on, such as severe crowding, crossbites, underbites, or jaw discrepancies. The goal of early treatment is to guide proper jaw growth and ensure enough room for permanent teeth, potentially avoiding more complex procedures later in life.
On the other hand, many children won’t need orthodontics until all of their permanent teeth have come in—usually between the ages of 11 and 14. These patients may undergo orthodontics at a later age, focusing on aligning the teeth and bite once jaw development is more complete.
Our orthodontist will help you determine whether your child could benefit from early treatment or if it’s best to monitor their growth and wait until their teen years for full orthodontic care.
Invisalign® First™: A Clear Option for Young Smiles
For children who qualify for early treatment, Dr. Mergen is proud to offer Invisalign First, a clear aligner system specially designed for growing mouths. Invisalign First can be used during Phase 1 treatment to address a variety of issues, including crowding, spacing, and narrow dental arches. The aligners are removable, comfortable, and easy to clean—making them an attractive alternative to traditional metal braces.
Many parents appreciate the aesthetics and flexibility Invisalign treatment provides, and children often enjoy the added confidence of a nearly invisible orthodontic treatment.
Monitoring Growth and Timing Treatment
Even if your child doesn’t need treatment right away, that initial orthodontic visit still plays a vital role. Dr. Mergen and his team will monitor your child’s dental development over time through regular check-ins. By observing how their teeth and jaws are developing, we can determine the optimal time to begin treatment, maximizing results and minimizing treatment time.
Schedule Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation
Early evaluation is key to giving your child the healthiest smile possible. Whether your child needs Phase 1 treatment now or braces in a few years, our , is here to guide you through every step. Dr. John Mergen offers expert care tailored to your child’s needs, including advanced options like Invisalign First. Request an appointment today and take the first step toward your child achieving a confident, healthy smile.