If you've been waiting for a sign to schedule that first orthodontist consultation for your child, here it is. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive their first orthodontic screening by age seven—not because braces will necessarily go on at that age, but because early detection can prevent problems that become significantly more complex and expensive to treat later.
This surprises many parents. Seven feels early. At seven, your child is still losing baby teeth. Braces, in most cases, don't begin until twelve or thirteen. So why the early screening?
Because orthodontists aren't just straightening teeth. They're guiding jaw development. A qualified orthodontist Hillsboro & Beaverton OR families trust can identify potential issues early and create a treatment plan that supports healthy growth.
In a growing child, the bones of the jaw are still soft and malleable. If an orthodontist identifies a pattern—narrow upper arch, developing overbite, crowding that will worsen as permanent teeth emerge—intervention at age eight or nine can redirect growth in a way that's impossible once the jaw is fully formed. This is called Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, and it doesn't always involve full braces. It might be a palate expander, a simple retainer, or space maintainers. The goal is to create an environment in which straight, healthy teeth can emerge naturally.
Phase 2, which is traditional braces or clear aligners, typically follows around age twelve or thirteen when most permanent teeth have erupted. For children who had Phase 1 intervention, Phase 2 is often shorter and less complex—and sometimes unnecessary. For children who skipped the early screening, Phase 2 may involve more extensive treatment, longer time in braces, or in some cases, tooth extractions or jaw surgery that early intervention could have avoided.
A first orthodontic consultation is quick: the orthodontist examines the bite, the eruption pattern of the teeth, and takes panoramic X-rays. In less than an hour, you'll have a clear picture of whether treatment is needed now, in a year or two, or not at all. Many first consultations are complimentary.
The two main treatment options for older children and teenagers are traditional metal braces and clear aligners (Invisalign Teen). Both are highly effective. Metal braces are typically more cost-effective, ranging from $3,000 to $7,000. Invisalign Teen falls in a similar range. Most orthodontic practices offer interest-free payment plans, and dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits typically cover $1,000 to $2,500 toward treatment costs.
Orthodontics is health care, not cosmetics. Misaligned teeth affect chewing efficiency, jaw joint health, the ability to clean teeth properly, and even breathing in some cases. That first consultation costs you nothing but an hour of your afternoon. Book it. Your future teenager will thank you.