Age 7 Doesn't Mean Braces. It Means It's Time to Check.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7.
That doesn't mean your 7-year-old needs braces.
At this age, children have a combination of baby and permanent teeth, which allows an orthodontist to evaluate how the teeth, jaws, and bite are developing.
At LaHaye Orthodontics, our goal isn't to start treatment as early as possible. It's to start treatment at the right time.
Most children we see at this age do not need treatment right away. If everything looks good, we'll simply monitor your child's growth and development until the time is right.
Why Age 7?
An early orthodontic evaluation can identify developing problems that aren't always obvious.
Dr. LaHaye can evaluate:
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Crowding or lack of space for permanent teeth
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Crossbites, overbites, underbites, and other bite problems
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Jaw growth and development
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How permanent teeth are erupting
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Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
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Habits that may affect dental or jaw development
Finding a potential problem doesn't necessarily mean treating it. Often, the best decision is simply to watch and wait.
Does Every Child Need Early Treatment?
No.
Early orthodontic treatment can be beneficial for certain developmental problems, but it isn't necessary for every child.
After your child's evaluation, Dr. LaHaye will generally recommend one of three things:
- No treatment is needed.
- We'll monitor growth and development and determine the right time for treatment.
- There is a specific reason early treatment may be beneficial.
If there's no meaningful advantage to starting treatment early, we'll wait.
What Happens at the First Visit?
We'll evaluate your child's teeth, bite, and facial development, explain what we see, answer your questions, and give you a clear recommendation about what—if anything—should happen next.
There is no obligation to begin treatment.
Do I Need a Dentist Referral?
No. You don't need a referral from your child's dentist to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
We are happy to work with your family dentist throughout your child's development and orthodontic care.
Trusted by Local Families Since 1973
Families throughout Thibodaux, Houma, Lafourche Parish, Terrebonne Parish, and the surrounding communities have trusted LaHaye Orthodontics for generations.
Our philosophy with younger patients is simple:
Don't treat too early. Don't treat too late. Treat at the right time.
Is Your Child 7 or Older?
If your child hasn't had an orthodontic evaluation yet, now is a good time to check.
An evaluation doesn't mean braces. It means understanding how your child's smile is developing and having a plan for what comes next.
Schedule Your Child's Complimentary Orthodontic Checkup
Thibodaux & Houma, Louisiana