Early Interceptive Treatment
Why Age 7 Is the Best Time to See an Orthodontist
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7. Early Orthodontic Evaluations when your child is growing and teeth are developing can Help Your Child Avoid Complex Braces Problems Later including extractions or dental or jaw surgery.
Let us ease your mind! We offer a free consultation, including a free X-ray, for all new patients to determine if any issues exist.
And if your child doesn’t need treatment right away? They’ll be enrolled in our free observation program, where we monitor growth and development at no cost to you.
Led by Dr. John Serino — a board-certified orthodontist with over 25 years of experience, 6,000+ transformed smiles, and a nine-time winner of Top Orthodontist — Serino Orthodontics is known for delivering expert care with a personal touch.
Most people think of braces as something for teens, but the truth is, in some instances orthodontic treatment should start much earlier, and that can make a big difference in your child’s future smile.
That’s because this is when your child’s jaw and face are still developing, and an orthodontist can spot problems before they become serious. At this age, it’s easier to guide tooth and jaw development in a healthy direction, and it often helps avoid bigger issues later.
Starting orthodontic care early can make a huge difference — treatment ends up being faster, easier, and way less complicated down the road.
What Is Early Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?
Early (also called interceptive) treatment focuses on catching and correcting problems before all the permanent teeth come in. It’s not about putting a full set of braces on your 7-year-old — it’s about helping the jaws develop properly and making sure there’s enough space for adult teeth to come in the right way.
It may include:
- A small appliance (like an expander)
- A retainer or space maintainer
- Limited braces on a few teeth to make space for blocked teeth or correct protrusive teeth
- Clear aligners designed for younger kids
- Appliances to stop thumb sucking or guide jaw growth
Most Phase 1 treatments last about 6 to 12 months and often don’t require a retainer afterward. The goal isn’t to perfect the bite just yet — it’s to fix one or two key issues early so the adult teeth can erupt correctly and jaw development stays on track. The final bite is usually corrected in Phase 2 treatment as a teen.
The cost of interceptive treatment ultimately reduces the total cost of care because it helps make future treatment shorter, simpler, and more predictable.
Most Kids Are Monitored — But You Don’t Want to Miss the Ones Who Aren’t
Here’s something important: most kids who come in at age 7 don’t need treatment right away. Instead, they’re placed in a free observation program, where the orthodontist keeps an eye on how things are developing over time — with no cost and no pressure.
But if a problem is missed — like an impacted canine tooth (which means the tooth is stuck in the bone) — treatment can become much more complicated. These cases often need oral surgery and IV sedation later on to fix something that could have been guided early with a simple appliance.
That’s why the age 7 check-up is about peace of mind. You either walk away knowing everything looks good — or you catch something while it’s still easy to fix.
What Can Early Treatment Help Prevent?
- Crowding that leads to permanent tooth extractions
- Impacted teeth that need surgical exposure
- Jaw misalignment that may require surgery in the teen or adult years
- Bite problems that result in tooth wear, jaw pain, or speech issues
- Long, complex braces treatment in high school
Signs Your Child Might Need an Orthodontic Check-Up
Even if your child’s teeth look mostly straight, some problems are hidden under the surface — and only show up with an exam and x-rays.
Look for these warning signs:
- Crowded or overlapping baby teeth
- Losing baby teeth too early (before age 5)
- No space between baby teeth (means not enough space for the permanent teeth)
- Trouble biting or chewing
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Teeth that stick out (overjet)
- Excessive overbite (deep bite)
- Underbite or crossbite
- No space for permanent teeth to come in
- Midline shifts (top and bottom teeth don’t line up)
- Excess spacing between teeth
- Missing permanent teeth (much more common than most people realize!)
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Thumb or finger sucking after age 4
- Speech problems
- Any eruption issues that can’t be seen without X-rays
If you're unsure, it’s always better to check early. Think of it like a wellness visit for your child’s future smile.
Early Treatment at Serino Orthodontics
At Serino Orthodontics, Dr. Serino specializes in early, conservative orthodontic care for children. We understand that timing is everything — and we work closely with parents to monitor growth, catch red flags early, and avoid more complex treatment down the road.
You’ll always get honest advice, a clear treatment plan (if needed), and expert guidance every step of the way.
What Our Patients Are Saying:
“Dr. Serino and his staff have a lovely way of making their patients feel welcome and at ease. They are professional, love their work, and really care about their patients. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering orthodontic work.”
— Lynn F., Google 5-Star Review
Book Your Child’s Free Orthodontic Evaluation (and X-Ray!)
Whether it’s your first child or your fourth, we’re here to help you feel confident in your decision. An evaluation at age 7 gives you the full picture — and the best chance to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
Call Serino Orthodontics today or click below to schedule your free consultation and x-ray. The best time to check is now — before small problems turn into big ones.