September 11, 2025
As a parent, you want to give your child every advantage for a healthy, confident future - and their smile is a big part of that journey. While your family dentist plays an important role in keeping teeth clean and healthy, an orthodontic specialist can often detect issues that may go unnoticed during a routine dental check-up. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7, and for good reason.
Why Age 7 Matters
By age 7, your child’s mouth is a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it the perfect time to spot subtle concerns with jaw growth, tooth alignment, and bite function. Some of these issues may not cause immediate discomfort, but left untreated, they can affect speech, eating, and long-term dental health. Early evaluations give us the chance to address these concerns at the right stage of development - sometimes even preventing the need for more extensive treatment later.
What an Orthodontist May Catch That a Dentist Might Miss
Dentists do a great job monitoring your child’s oral health, but orthodontists receive specialized training to identify and treat growth and alignment issues. During an early evaluation, Dr. Griggs looks for:
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Crowding or spacing problems that may interfere with how teeth come in
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Crossbites, underbites, or overbites that affect jaw development
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Early loss of baby teeth that could shift permanent teeth into the wrong position
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Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that may influence bite and alignment
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Airway and breathing concerns that impact sleep and overall health
These are the kinds of developmental issues that, if caught early, can make treatment simpler, shorter, and more effective.
Treatment Isn’t Always Needed
One of the most important things for parents to know is that early orthodontic treatment isn’t always necessary. In fact, many children simply benefit from careful monitoring while their smiles continue to grow. At Griggs Orthodontics, we only recommend treatment if it’s truly needed - and if it will make a positive difference in your child’s health and development.
Appliances for Growing Smiles
When early treatment is recommended, it’s always tailored to your child’s unique needs. We offer advanced options such as:
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Invisalign® First – Clear aligners designed specifically for children to gently guide teeth into position without braces.
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Invisalign® Palatal Expanders – A modern solution to widen the upper jaw and create the space needed for proper alignment.
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Other early orthodontic appliances – Tools like space maintainers or limited braces to support healthy growth.
Supporting Your Child’s Health Journey
Orthodontics is more than just straight teeth - it’s about supporting your child’s overall development. Proper alignment impacts everything from chewing and speech to confidence and long-term oral health. That’s why every consultation at Griggs Orthodontics is completely free. You’ll get expert guidance from Dr. Griggs, clarity about your child’s needs, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll only be advised to start treatment if it’s truly beneficial.
Ready to schedule your child’s complimentary consultation? Contact Griggs Orthodontics today and take an important step toward a healthy, confident smile.