Early orthodontic care isn’t just about straight teeth; it can shape your child’s bite, jaw growth, and long-term oral health. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7, when issues such as dental crowding, overbites, or narrow jaws can often be identified early and corrected more easily. Still, many parents are unsure when to start or what signs to look for. 

Read on to get clarity on the most common questions about timing, what happens at the first visit, and how early care from the best orthodontist for kids and teens in Culver City can boost your child’s health and confidence for years to come.

At What Age Should a Child First See an Orthodontist?

By age seven, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which allows orthodontists to identify early signs of bite problems, teeth crowding, or issues with jaw development. Since a child’s bones are still growing, it’s often easier to guide their growth and correct potential dental problems before they become more serious. Even if your child doesn’t need treatment right away, this initial visit gives the orthodontist a clear picture of how their mouth is developing and helps determine the best time to start treatment, if needed, in the future.

What Are the Signs My Child May Need Braces?

There are several signs that may indicate your child could benefit from braces. Crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth are some of the most visible red flags, but there are also less obvious symptoms to watch for: 

  • Your child often breathes through their mouth or snores during sleep 
  • Has trouble chewing food or has a speech impediment
  • They frequently bite the inside of their cheeks

These could point to underlying alignment issues with the teeth or jaws. Another clue is the timing of baby teeth falling out. Losing them much earlier or later than expected can disrupt the timing of permanent teeth coming in, possibly leading to bite or spacing problems. 

Do Baby Teeth Need to Be Gone Before Seeing an Orthodontist?

The short answer is no, your child does not need to lose all their baby teeth before seeing an orthodontist. In fact, early evaluations during the mixed dentition phase, when both baby and adult teeth are present, are especially helpful. Orthodontists can use dental X-rays and orthodontic exams at this time to assess how the adult teeth are forming beneath the gums and whether there’s enough space for them to come in properly. Additionally, some early orthodontic treatments, such as palatal expanders, work best before all the baby teeth fall out because the jaw is still developing and is more adaptable. 

What Happens at a Child’s First Orthodontist Appointment?

At your child’s first orthodontist appointment, the focus is usually on evaluation, not treatment. Here’s what you can expect:

  • The orthodontist will carefully examine your child’s jaw growth, bite alignment, and how the permanent teeth are coming in. 
  • This often includes taking dental X-rays or digital scans to get a clearer picture of what’s happening below the surface. 
  • Based on these findings, the orthodontist will either recommend a custom phase I orthodontic treatment plan or suggest monitoring your child’s development with regular checkups. 

Most first visits with the best children’s orthodontist in West LA are informative and stress-free, giving you a chance to ask questions and understand what to expect, without having to start wearing braces or dental appliances right away.

Is It Too Late for Braces if My Child Is Already an Older Teen? 

It’s definitely not too late for your child to start orthodontic treatment during their teen years. In fact, braces and clear aligners remain highly effective at this stage, although some treatments may take slightly longer. Many teens prefer options like Invisalign because the clear aligners are less noticeable and can boost confidence during a time when appearance often matters. Even if your child didn’t have early treatment, a consultation with an orthodontist can still lead to a healthy, aligned smile and long-term dental benefits.

Where to Find the Best Orthodontist for Kids and Teens in Culver City

​​At West LA Orthodontics, we believe that every child and teen deserves a smile they can feel proud of. Under the care of Dr. Jonathan Shouhed, that’s exactly what we strive to deliver. We never push unnecessary treatment; instead, Dr. J builds custom plans designed for long-term health, function, and confidence. 

Our Culver City office offers all of West LA everything from Invisalign and clear aligners to traditional braces, all with flexible financing to make your child’s dream smile possible. We’re not just here to straighten teeth; we’re here to support our community, giving back through programs like the Beverly Hills Basketball League and the Friendship Circle of Los Angeles. 

Ready to ensure your child’s future oral health with an early orthodontic consultation from a practice that values honesty, comfort, and the best kids’ orthodontist in Culver City?