Wondering when your child should see an orthodontist? Age 7 is the sweet spot, and this real patient story shows exactly why. From a hidden front tooth stuck in the bone to a natural, confident smile, early orthodontic care made all the difference. Learn how timely treatment can prevent extractions, implants, and long-term complications (and see the transformation in photos!).
When it comes to your child's smile, timing is everything.
One of the most common questions we hear is: "When should my child first see an orthodontist?"
The answer? Age 7.
And here's a real patient story that shows exactly why early consultation can make all the difference.
A Stuck Front Tooth and a Saved Smile
When this young patient came to Dr. Cardall, she had one of her permanent two front teeth stuck high up in the bone, near her nose. Her other permanent front tooth had come in just fine, but the other one wasn’t budging. Without intervention, it might never come down on its own!
Dr. Cardall referred the patient to an oral surgeon to put a button on the tooth so he could gently pull it into place. However, the first surgeon didn’t think the front tooth could be saved and recommended extracting it. Dr. Cardall then referred her to a second oral surgeon who, thankfully, put the button on.
With a slow and careful process, Dr. Cardall was able to bring the front tooth down into its position!
What Could’ve Happened Without Early Care?
If this patient had waited, the tooth likely never would have come in. Over time, the unerupted front tooth would have fused to the bone, making it possible to bring down later. That would have meant:
- Tooth extraction
- A possible bone graft
- A long wait until age 18 for an implant
- And even then, implants can’t fully match the look and feel of a natural tooth
See the Transformation
Here’s a look at this incredible journey. Scroll through the photos below to see each step in her transformation!
Why Age 7?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends every child see an orthodontist by age 7. That’s when we can:
- Catch problems early (like impacted teeth)
- Guide jaw and dental development
- Create space before teeth get too crowded
- Avoid complex or invasive treatment later on
- Minimize the risk of relapse after treatment, especially in older patients, where teeth are more likely to shift over time
Final Thoughts
This case is a perfect example of proactive care over reactive solutions.
When caught early, we’re able to preserve natural teeth, avoid more extensive and elaborate inventions later, and give kids the confidence of a more beautiful, functional, and natural smile.
Contact Us
If your child is 7 or older and hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, now’s the time. Early evaluation could make all the difference just like it did for this amazing patient.
Book a consultation with Orem Orthodontics today. No referral from a dentist is needed!
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