One of the best ways to make that happen is by starting early with orthodontic screenings. Many parents think braces are something for the teen years, but the truth is, early checkups can catch and fix bite problems before they get worse. And that means fewer issues (and less stress) down the road.
What Is Early Orthodontic Screening?
An early orthodontic screening is a checkup with a child dental specialist that looks at how your child’s teeth and jaws are growing. These visits usually happen around age 7, but they can be earlier if you or your dentist notice any signs of issues.
During the visit, a kids' dental specialist checks for:
Crowded or crooked teeth
Gaps between teeth
Jaw alignment (underbites or overbites)
Problems with how your child chews or talks
It’s a simple visit that can make a big difference later on.
Why Age 7 Is the Magic Number
By age 7, your child will have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. This is the perfect time for a specialist to see how everything is coming together. Even if everything looks fine, it’s still helpful to have a baseline for future checkups.
Catching bite problems early lets us plan. We can guide jaw growth, make room for adult teeth, and lower the risk of more serious dental problems.
Common Bite Problems in Kids
Not all bite problems are easy to spot. Some are obvious, like very crooked teeth. Others might fly under the radar. Here are a few common issues we look for:
Overbite - This is when the upper front teeth stick out too far over the lower teeth. It can cause wear on teeth and even speech issues.
Underbite - The opposite of an overbite. Here, the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. It can lead to jaw pain and chewing problems.
Crossbite - Some of the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth. This can affect the way the jaw grows.
Open Bite - There’s a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. It can be caused by thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
Crowding - When there isn’t enough space for adult teeth to come in, they can overlap or come in crooked.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Early treatment doesn’t always mean braces right away. In many cases, it just means keeping an eye on how things are growing. However, when treatment is needed, starting early can make everything easier.
Here’s why:
It can prevent bigger problems. Catching a small issue early can stop it from becoming a major one.
It can guide jaw growth. This can reduce the need for surgery or tooth removal later.
It helps adult teeth come in better. That means less time (and possibly less cost) in braces later.
It supports healthy speech and chewing. Bite problems can affect more than just looks.
What to Expect at the Screening
At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we make early screenings stress-free and even fun. Your child will meet with a kids' dental specialist in Kansas City who knows how to make kids feel comfortable.
The visit includes:
- A gentle look at your child’s teeth and jaws
- X-rays if needed to see hidden issues
- A chat with you about any concerns or habits (like thumb sucking)
- A simple plan if any follow-up is needed
We’re not here to push braces before they’re needed. Our goal is to give your child the best chance at a healthy, confident smile.
How Parents Can Help
Here’s what you can do:
Watch for signs. If your child has trouble chewing, speaks with a lisp, or their teeth look misaligned, it might be time for a screening.
Keep regular dental checkups. Your child’s dentist can tell you when it’s time to see a specialist.
Limit habits like thumb sucking. These can affect how the teeth and jaw grow.
Make dental visits positive. Talk about the dentist as someone who helps keep smiles healthy.
When Braces Aren’t the First Step
This might include:
A retainer
A space maintainer
A small expander
These tools help guide the teeth and jaw without needing full braces. They’re usually more comfortable and often shorter in length than traditional treatment later on.
The Long-Term Benefits of Early Screenings
Here’s what you get:
Less invasive treatments
Shorter time in braces (if needed later)Fewer dental emergencies
A healthier, more confident smile
And let’s be honest—it feels great as a parent to know you’re giving your child the best start.
Ready to Schedule an Orthodontic Screening?
If your child is around age 7 (or younger and you have concerns), now is the time. Let’s get ahead of bite problems and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Contact Pediatric Dental Specialists today to book a visit. We’re here to help your child smile brighter, now and in the future.
