As a parent, you want the best for your child — including a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. One of the most common questions Dr. Haeger and Dr. Brandon hear from families in Kent and Maple Valley is: “When should my child first see an orthodontist?” The answer might surprise you.
The Magic Number: Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this point, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, giving an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Haeger or Dr. Brandon a clear picture of how the teeth, jaws, and bite are developing.
An early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean early treatment. In fact, many children simply need to be monitored over time. But catching potential issues early gives your orthodontist the opportunity to guide jaw growth and make room for incoming teeth — before problems become more complex and expensive to fix.
What Can an Early Evaluation Detect?
During a first visit at Haeger Orthodontics, our doctors will look for:
- Crowding or spacing issues with the teeth
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Jaw alignment problems that could worsen with age
- Teeth that are coming in at unusual angles
- Habits like thumb-sucking that may be affecting development
Early Evaluation vs. Early Treatment
Getting an early evaluation doesn’t automatically mean your child will need braces right away. Many kids are simply placed on an observation schedule, where we monitor their development every six to twelve months. Others may benefit from Phase 1 treatment — a shorter round of orthodontic work done between ages 7 and 10 to prevent bigger issues later.
The goal of early orthodontic care is to work with your child’s natural growth to achieve the best possible result — sometimes reducing the need for tooth extractions, jaw surgery, or lengthy treatment in the teen years.
Signs Your Child May Need an Evaluation Now
Don’t wait until age 7 if you notice any of the following:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Baby teeth falling out too early or too late
- Teeth that don’t meet properly
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
Why Choose Haeger Orthodontics for Your Child?
At Haeger Orthodontics, Dr. Haeger and Dr. Brandon are passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles for families across Kent and Maple Valley. We offer a welcoming, child-friendly environment where your little one will feel comfortable from the very first visit. Our team takes time to explain everything clearly — to both parents and kids — so there are no surprises and no worries.