Small Smile Journeys: At What Age Do You Get Braces? First Ortho Visit

May 26, 2023 | About Orthodontics

Mom kissing her adolescent child on the cheek in the park

We spend much of our little one’s childhood preparing them for life, and a big part of that is building healthy habits for strong smiles. We all want the best for our kids, which means focusing on creating a lifetime of good dental health and happy smiles. With a strong foundation of oral hygiene habits, you’re setting them up for one of the best gifts: a cavity-free, stress-free smile. 

But did you know orthodontic care is also a big part of good oral hygiene? It’s true! Many parents don’t realize it, but early orthodontic evaluation is vital for maintaining straight teeth and a better bite.

Today, we want to break down the perfect time to see your orthodontist (if you haven’t already!) and what to expect at your child’s first appointment at Pura Vida Orthodontics. Let’s take a look!

The Perfect Age for a First Visit

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child to an orthodontist (like Pura Vida Orthodontics) by age 7. This may seem a little young, but it’s the perfect time for an experienced team to evaluate your child’s teeth, checking their bite and dentition development.

Your little one will likely have a mix of baby and permanent teeth at this age, allowing the orthodontist to identify any potential issues early on. While most children won’t need orthodontic care this young, an early evaluation can help your orthodontist (and dentist) identify potential problems to watch for as their adult teeth come in. 

Your kid may need braces or clear aligners down the road. In fact, most kids who need orthodontic treatment will get braces or Invisalign clear aligners between 8 and 14 years old. With regular orthodontic check-ups, your doctor can start your personalized treatment plan to address tooth and jaw alignment issues as soon as they appear.

young girl with new braces smiling about starting orthodontic treatment

What to Expect from Your First Pura Vida Appointment

We know how important a good first impression is, especially with our smallest smile patients. Our calming atmosphere will help you and your child feel at ease during their first visit. Our friendly staff will welcome them with open arms, ensuring they feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they walk through our doors – and we always spend extra time introducing ourselves so that your kid feels like a new member of the Pura Vida family!

Our skilled orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth, jaw, and facial structure during your first smile assessment. The doctor will gently guide them through the process, explaining each step in a way they can understand. After all, creating a positive and stress-free experience for you and your child is our top priority.

Orthodontic Treatment Designed for Your Child’s Small Smile

Our staff and doctors know that every child is unique, and we strive to create a personalized experience that caters to their individual needs, from meeting your smile goals to creating a customized treatment plan.

This individualized approach ensures that your child receives the best possible care while keeping the process simple and enjoyable.

With Pura Vida Orthodontics, you can trust that your child is in good hands.

Discover the Path to Happiness

At Pura Vida Orthodontics, we believe that a healthy smile is the key to unlocking life’s greatest joys. Let’s take this journey together, one step at a time, starting with your child’s first visit to our practice!

We look forward to welcoming you and your child into the Pura Vida Orthodontics family. We treat all smiles, big and small, with expert orthodontic care designed for your unique needs. Schedule your FREE consultation with an orthodontist at one of our offices in Lino Lakes, St. Louis Park, and Spring Lake Park!

child smiling and pointing at his braces