Most parents assume orthodontic treatment begins when all the baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth have come in—somewhere around age 12 or 13. But the American Association of Orthodontists recommends something that surprises many families: every child should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At Kincer Orthodontics in West Cobb, Dr. William Kincer has spent over thirty years helping children, teens, and adults achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. His experience has shown that early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean early treatment—but it does mean early opportunity. Catching certain orthodontic issues while a child is still growing can make treatment simpler, shorter, and more effective than waiting until adolescence.
Why Age 7? The Science Behind the Recommendation
By age 7, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This transitional stage—called mixed dentition—provides orthodontists with valuable diagnostic information that isn’t available earlier or later.
At this age, the first permanent molars and incisors have typically erupted, establishing the foundation of the adult bite. Dr. Kincer can evaluate how these permanent teeth are coming in, assess jaw growth patterns, and identify developing problems while intervention remains relatively straightforward.
The recommendation isn’t about rushing children into braces. In fact, most 7-year-olds evaluated at Kincer Orthodontics don’t need immediate treatment. Instead, Dr. Kincer monitors their development over time, watching for the optimal moment to begin treatment if it becomes necessary. This proactive approach often prevents minor issues from becoming major problems.
Problems That Benefit from Early Intervention
Certain orthodontic conditions respond dramatically better to treatment during childhood, while the jaw bones are still growing and malleable. Waiting until adolescence to address these issues can mean more complex treatment, longer treatment time, or even surgical intervention that could have been avoided.
- Crossbites: When upper teeth bite inside lower teeth, crossbites can cause asymmetric jaw growth, facial imbalance, and excessive wear on tooth enamel. Correcting crossbites during childhood takes advantage of natural growth to guide proper development.
- Severe Crowding: When permanent teeth don’t have adequate space to erupt properly, early intervention can create room through strategic expansion or selective baby tooth removal. This may prevent impacted teeth or the need for permanent tooth extraction later.
- Protruding Front Teeth: Upper front teeth that stick out significantly are more susceptible to trauma from falls, sports injuries, and accidents. Early treatment reduces this vulnerability while improving facial profile.
- Underbites: When lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth, the condition often worsens as the child grows. Early treatment can redirect jaw growth to achieve better balance.
- Harmful Oral Habits: Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and prolonged pacifier use can alter jaw development and tooth position. Intervention during the early years, when these habits are most modifiable, prevents lasting damage.
- Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth: Teeth lost too early or retained too long can disrupt the eruption sequence of permanent teeth. Monitoring and intervention keep everything on track.
Understanding Phase I and Phase II Treatment
When early treatment is recommended, orthodontists often describe it as “Phase I” treatment. This first phase typically occurs between ages 7 and 10, while baby teeth and permanent teeth coexist. Phase I addresses specific developmental issues that benefit from early correction.
Phase I treatment doesn’t replace comprehensive orthodontic treatment—it prepares for it. After Phase I concludes, patients enter a resting period where remaining permanent teeth erupt and develop. Dr. Kincer monitors progress during this time through periodic observation appointments.
“Phase II” treatment, if needed, occurs once all permanent teeth have erupted, typically during early adolescence. Because Phase I addressed foundational issues, Phase II treatment is often shorter and simpler than it would have been without early intervention.
Not every child who receives Phase I treatment needs Phase II. And many children evaluated at age 7 skip Phase I entirely, proceeding directly to comprehensive treatment during their teenage years. The evaluation determines the best path for each individual child.
What Happens During an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
Kincer Orthodontics makes the evaluation process comfortable and stress-free for children and parents alike. Dr. Kincer’s complimentary initial exam includes everything needed to assess your child’s orthodontic status without financial commitment.
The appointment begins with photographs and diagnostic X-rays that reveal tooth positions, root development, and jaw structure not visible during a clinical exam. Dr. Kincer then examines your child’s teeth, bite, and facial balance while asking about habits, concerns, and dental history.
After gathering this information, Dr. Kincer discusses findings in terms parents understand. He explains what he observes, whether treatment is recommended now or later, and what the treatment would involve if needed. For children who don’t require immediate treatment, he outlines the monitoring schedule and what signs to watch for at home.
This no-pressure approach reflects Dr. Kincer’s philosophy of honest, conservative care. Patient reviews consistently mention his straightforward recommendations—he suggests treatment when it’s truly beneficial, not simply because the option exists.
Signs Parents Can Watch For at Home
While professional evaluation remains essential, parents often notice signs at home that suggest an orthodontic consultation would be valuable. Between annual dental checkups, watch for these indicators.
Difficulty chewing or biting food normally may indicate bite problems that interfere with proper function. Mouth breathing, especially during sleep, can signal airway issues sometimes related to jaw development. Teeth that appear crowded, crooked, or spaced unusually suggest alignment concerns.
Jaws that click, pop, or shift when opening and closing deserve evaluation to identify potential joint issues. A bite that doesn’t come together comfortably—whether the front teeth don’t meet, the back teeth don’t align, or the jaw shifts to one side—indicates problems worth addressing.
Speech difficulties, particularly persistent lisping, sometimes relate to tooth or jaw positioning that orthodontic treatment can improve. And of course, ongoing thumb sucking or finger habits past age 5 or 6 warrant discussion about potential dental impacts.
When parents notice any of these signs, scheduling an evaluation provides peace of mind—whether the result is immediate treatment, monitoring, or reassurance that everything is developing normally.
The Advantage of Choosing an Orthodontic Specialist
Many general dentists offer orthodontic services, leaving parents wondering whether specialist care makes a difference. Dr. Kincer’s career answers that question definitively: he has devoted 100% of his professional practice—over thirty years—exclusively to orthodontics.
This specialization means Dr. Kincer has evaluated thousands of children at various developmental stages, giving him pattern recognition that comes only from focused experience. He’s seen how early intervention plays out over years of growth, which approaches work best for specific conditions, and when watchful waiting serves patients better than immediate treatment.
His membership in the American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists, and Georgia Association of Orthodontists keeps him connected to the latest research and techniques in his field. Continuing education ensures the treatments he recommends reflect current best practices.
Additionally, seeing the same doctor at every appointment—which Dr. Kincer guarantees as a single-orthodontist, single-location practice—provides continuity of care that benefits young patients especially. Children develop comfort with familiar faces, and parents appreciate discussing their child’s progress with the doctor who has monitored development from the beginning.
Investing in Your Child’s Future Smile
Orthodontic treatment represents an investment in your child’s oral health, facial development, and self-confidence. Starting with early evaluation maximizes the return on that investment by ensuring treatment happens at the optimal time—not too early, not too late.
Dr. Kincer’s conservative philosophy means he recommends Phase I treatment only when clear benefits exist. Many children evaluated at age 7 simply enter the monitoring program, receiving periodic check-ups until the right moment for comprehensive treatment arrives. This approach respects both your child’s developmental timeline and your family’s resources.
For children who do benefit from early intervention, the results often speak for themselves. Proper jaw development, adequate space for permanent teeth, and correction of harmful habits establish the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Schedule Your Child’s Complimentary Evaluation at Kincer Orthodontics
If your child is approaching age 7—or older and hasn’t yet seen an orthodontist—now is the perfect time for evaluation. Dr. William Kincer and the friendly team at Kincer Orthodontics welcome families throughout Marietta, West Cobb, Kennesaw, and surrounding communities.
The complimentary initial exam includes photographs, diagnostic X-rays, and thorough evaluation with Dr. Kincer, giving you complete information about your child’s orthodontic status without obligation. Whether your child needs treatment now, later, or not at all, you’ll leave with clarity and confidence about the path forward.
Call Kincer Orthodontics at (770) 424-5280 to schedule your child’s evaluation today. Give your child the gift of early opportunity—because the best time to plan for a beautiful smile is before problems develop.