Orthodontic Screenings and When to Start

When most people think of orthodontics, they picture teenagers with braces — but the truth is, orthodontic care starts much earlier than you might expect. At Sweet Water Dentistry in Fairhope, Alabama, we believe in taking a proactive, family-focused approach to orthodontic health that begins during childhood.

Early orthodontic screenings can identify subtle problems with jaw growth, bite alignment, or tooth development — before they become more complicated (and expensive) to treat later. So when is the right time to start? And what should parents look for?

In this blog, we’ll break down the importance of early orthodontic evaluation, what signs to watch for, and how Sweet Water Dentistry can help your child stay on track for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What Is an Orthodontic Screening?

An orthodontic screening is a simple, non-invasive evaluation of how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing. We look at:

• How the top and bottom teeth line up
• The spacing or crowding of teeth
• Jaw growth and facial symmetry
• Bite patterns (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
• Tooth eruption progress and timing

At Sweet Water Dentistry, we include basic orthodontic screenings during your child’s routine dental visits starting around age 6–7. If we see something of concern, we’ll monitor it or refer you to a trusted orthodontic specialist if necessary.

When Should My Child Have Their First Screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7— even if no obvious issues are present.

Why so early?

Because by age 7:

• Most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth
• Jaw growth patterns are becoming clearer
• Early bite or spacing problems may already be forming
• Intervening early can guide growth and prevent future complications

Early screenings don’t always lead to immediate treatment, but they allow us to keep a close eye on development and recommend action at just the right time.

Common Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Attention

While only a professional can give a complete diagnosis, here are some signs that your child may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation:

👄 Visible Issues:

• Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
• Large gaps between teeth
• Overbite (top teeth too far forward)
• Underbite (lower jaw protrudes)
• Crossbite (top and bottom teeth don’t align properly)
• Open bite (space between teeth when biting down)

😬 Behavior or Function:

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing or snoring
• Thumb sucking beyond age 4–5
• Speech challenges or lisping
• Teeth grinding at night
• Jaws that pop, click, or shift

🦷 Tooth Eruption Problems:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Adult teeth coming in crooked or behind baby teeth
• Permanent teeth erupting out of sequence

If you notice any of these, don’t wait — schedule a visit so we can assess and offer advice.

Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters

🧒 Guides Proper Jaw Growth

Early intervention (also called interceptive orthodontics) can guide the jaw into a healthier position before bones finish growing — reducing the need for surgery later.

🧩 Creates Space for Adult Teeth

If the jaw is too small for new teeth to come in, we can recommend expanders or space maintainers to prevent crowding.

🕰️ Prevents Bigger Problems Later

Fixing alignment early can prevent speech issues, damage to other teeth, gum problems, or uneven wear.

😊 Boosts Confidence

Helping your child love their smile early on can improve social comfort, speech clarity, and self-esteem.

Does Every Child Need Braces?

No — but many benefit from some form of orthodontic guidance. Some children may not need braces at all. Others may benefit from:

• Early interventions like palate expanders
• Partial braces
• Invisalign® Teen (for older children)
• Full braces during adolescence

Every case is different. The key is catching problems early and making an informed decision based on expert insight.

How Sweet Water Dentistry Supports Orthodontic Health

While we don’t provide braces in-house, we’re often the first line of detection for orthodontic issues. We:

• Perform regular orthodontic screenings
• Track your child’s bite and development over time
• Provide honest recommendations
• Refer to trusted local orthodontists if needed
• Support you through every step of the process

We believe in transparent care, not pressure — and we’ll never recommend unnecessary treatment.

Your Role as a Parent

Parents play a powerful role in early orthodontic care. Be proactive by:

• Watching for the signs listed above
• Scheduling regular dental visits (every 6 months)
• Asking questions during checkups
• Encouraging good oral hygiene habits at home
• Avoiding prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use

Together, we can set your child up for a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.

Let’s Keep Their Smile Growing Strong

Orthodontic screenings are quick, painless, and important — and they’re included as part of your child’s routine care at Sweet Water Dentistry.

To schedule a consultation and learn more about your dental implant options, contact Sweet Water Dentistry today!

Visit us for expert care:

Sweet Water Dentistry
📍 5915 Sweetwater Cir, Fairhope, AL 36532
🌐 sweetwatersmile.com
📞 Call or Text: (251) 210-2773

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📱 Call or text 251-210-2773 to schedule your child’s next dental visit, and we’ll include a full orthodontic evaluation.

Healthy development starts now — and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.