Why Waiting Isn’t Always Wise
What Parents Should Know About Timing Their Child’s First Orthodontic Visit

By the time your child starts losing baby teeth, you’ve probably already checked off a lot of important firsts: the first haircut, the first day of school, the first visit from the Tooth Fairy.

But there’s one more “first” many parents don’t realise belongs on that list — the first orthodontic check-up.

At Mars Orthodontics, we often meet families who say, “We’re waiting until high school,” or “We thought we had to wait for all the adult teeth to come in.” It’s a common assumption — and it makes sense.

But in orthodontics, timing is everything, and sometimes, waiting means missing the easiest window for treatment.

 

The Hidden Opportunity at Age 7

Around age 7, your child’s jaw is still growing. That growth, combined with a mix of baby and adult teeth, gives us a unique window to evaluate:

• How the bite is forming
• Whether the jaws are developing evenly
• Whether there will be enough space for permanent teeth to come in

This doesn’t mean your child will need braces at 7 — most don’t. But it’s the right time to spot developing concerns and create a simple, proactive plan.

---

A Real Example: Simple Timing, Big Difference

One of our young patients came in for a check-up at age 8. His upper jaw was developing too narrowly, and his lower teeth were already crowding. With a short course of early treatment to guide jaw growth, we created space for all his adult teeth — no extractions needed later on.

Now, he’s 13, and his bite is balanced, with only minor refinement ahead.

It’s a great example of how early timing doesn’t always mean more treatment — sometimes it means less.

---

“She’ll Grow Out of It”… Maybe

We often hear, “She’ll grow out of it.”
And sometimes, small things do improve naturally — like a mild gap or a thumb-sucking habit that fades on its own.

But not all bite and jaw issues resolve with age. Some, like a narrow upper jaw or misaligned bite, quietly become more difficult to correct the longer they’re left alone — even if the teeth look fairly straight on the surface.

---

When Waiting Leads to Fewer Options

By the time kids reach high school, what could have been a straightforward correction may become more complicated.

When space runs out or the bite becomes more set, treatment often takes longer — and in some cases, may require removing permanent teeth to make room. These are options we try to avoid whenever possible, and early timing is often what makes that possible.

---

Get Specialist Clarity Before Things Get Complex

That’s why we believe the right time to check is before things get complicated.

At Mars Orthodontics, your child will be assessed by our specialist, Dr. Carmen Karadeniz (Registered Specialist Orthodontist), who will provide clear advice tailored to your child’s unique growth and needs. Whether treatment is needed now, later, or not at all — you’ll walk away with answers you can trust.

One Free Visit. A Lifetime of Clarity.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to get your child’s smile checked, now is a great time.

It’s not about starting early — it’s about understanding early.