The team at Great Bay Orthodontics in Stratham, NH, understands that a child’s smile is more than just a set of pretty teeth—it’s an integral part of their overall health, confidence, and self-esteem. That’s why they emphasize the importance of early orthodontic evaluations, especially in growing kids. These visits do more than check alignment—they help create a roadmap for future oral development and guide families in making informed decisions. This article explains why those early visits matter and when your child should come in for a check-up.
Why Timing Makes a Difference
Children’s jaws and teeth are constantly changing as they grow. Around age 7, many children still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and this is a key moment for assessing how their teeth and jaws are developing. According to the recommendations of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), that’s when an initial orthodontic evaluation should happen.
At Great Bay Orthodontics, this early visit provides the doctor with the opportunity to identify issues such as jaw-growth concerns, misaligned bites, or crowding before they become more complex to treat. Early detection allows for treatment to be timed for the most effective and comfortable results—often reducing the need for future corrective procedures.
What Happens During the First Visit
When a young patient visits Great Bay Orthodontics for a first evaluation, the team treats them as part of their “patient family,” offering a warm, modern environment and personalized care. Every visit is designed to make children feel comfortable, ensuring that both kids and parents understand each step of the process.
During the exam, the orthodontist may:
- Review how the permanent teeth are coming in.
- Check how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other.
- Look for signs that early treatment might prevent more serious problems later.
Even if treatment does not start immediately, regular monitoring at this stage helps establish a smoother path forward and ensures that any changes in growth are addressed promptly.
Benefits of Getting a Head Start
Because a child’s bones and jaws are still developing, intervening early can sometimes simplify treatment and improve long-term outcomes. Interceptive care can help create space for incoming teeth, guide jaw growth, and avoid the need for more invasive procedures later. It can also help improve speech development, chewing comfort, and facial balance.
Moreover, an early check-up can give parents and kids peace of mind—knowing there’s a plan in place rather than waiting until issues become harder to correct. Proactive care means fewer surprises and more confident smiles.
When to Book an Evaluation in Stratham
Great Bay Orthodontics advises that if your child is around age seven or shows signs such as crowded teeth, a noticeable bite shift, difficulty chewing, or early tooth loss, then it’s a smart time to visit. This aligns with the AAO guideline of an orthodontic screening by age 7. Early evaluations can also be helpful if your child has habits such as thumb-sucking or mouth-breathing, as these can impact jaw and tooth development.
Peace of Mind for Families
Choosing Great Bay Orthodontics means working with a team that values each patient’s individual journey, offers modern technology and flexible options, and helps families feel confident in the care plan. With compassionate guidance and a focus on long-term results, the team strives to make orthodontic care a positive experience from the very beginning. When families bring their children in early, they can avoid surprises down the road and focus on supporting healthy growth and a vibrant smile.
Give Your Child the Best Start to a Healthy Smile
Don’t wait for visible problems—give your child the advantage of an early orthodontic evaluation today. Contact Great Bay Orthodontics in Stratham, NH, to schedule your child’s first visit and let the team help guide their smile toward a lifetime of confidence and health.
