Mixed dentition
Baby and permanent teeth are present together, which allows the clinician to assess eruption paths and developing arch space.
01 · Wonder · Kamloops
The age-seven orthodontic assessment
Age seven is a screening milestone, not a universal start date for treatment. At this age, enough permanent teeth may be present to see how eruption and bite development are progressing.
The plain answer
The value of an early check is better timing, not earlier treatment for everyone.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child see an orthodontic specialist no later than age seven. The visit can identify developing crossbites, significant crowding, protrusion, eruption problems, jaw discrepancies or habits that affect the bite.
Ask three direct questions: Is there a problem now? Does it benefit from action during growth? What would be lost by waiting? A clear answer should distinguish observation from treatment and identify the objective of any early phase.
What matters
Three things to evaluate before acting
Growth opportunity
Some bite relationships can be easier to influence while a child is growing, although growth modification is not appropriate for every problem.
Monitoring plan
When treatment is not indicated, the useful output is a specific follow-up interval and the signs being monitored.
01
Where this fits
Recognize signs that justify an orthodontic assessment.
The Wonder stage is about noticing, not diagnosing. Crowding, spacing, bite changes, tooth wear, difficulty cleaning, or relapse after past treatment can justify an assessment. In children, timing matters because tooth eruption and jaw growth change what can be observed and when treatment may be useful.
An early examination cannot predict every future change, and many orthodontic problems are treated more efficiently after additional growth and eruption. Monitoring is an active plan when the next review is scheduled for a defined reason.
Questions people ask
Useful answers before a consultation
What happens at an age-seven assessment?
The clinician reviews dental and health history, examines the teeth and bite, evaluates eruption and growth, and decides whether records or monitoring are needed.
Will radiographs always be taken?
No. Imaging should be based on clinical need and existing records, not taken automatically for every child.
What if my child is older than seven?
It is not too late. The recommendation is a latest first-check milestone, not an eligibility deadline.
References
Sources for this topic
External sources can change. Verify current regulatory, professional, manufacturer and local information at the linked publisher; these sources do not replace an individualized examination.
Presented by Blue Bird Dental, Hillside Dental and River City Dental. Last reviewed September 5, 2026. This content is educational and is not a substitute for an individualized examination, diagnosis or treatment recommendation. For pain, swelling, trauma, breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding, infection or an appliance causing injury, contact a local dentist, treating provider or emergency service directly.