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Learn Why the AAO Recommends a Checkup by Age 7 and How Early Care Benefits Your Child’s Smile Table of Contents Introduction Why the AAO Recommends an Orthodontic Checkup by Age 7 How Early Orthodontic Evaluations Benefit Your Child Common Orthodontic Issues Detected in Early Evaluations The Process of an Early Orthodontic Evaluation at Escott Ortho Treatment Options for Kids at Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park Preventative Orthodontics: How It Saves Time and Money Why Choose Escott Orthodontics? The Role of Parents in Early Orthodontic Care Conclusion: Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy, Confident Smile Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontic Evaluations Introduction Nothing lights up a room like a child’s smile, and at Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park, we’re passionate about ensuring every child has a healthy, confident one. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, but many parents aren’t aware of this crucial milestone. At Escott Orthodontics, Dr. Christopher Escott and Dr. Hunter Davis specialize in early orthodontic care, offering expert guidance on ensuring your child’s teeth and jaw develop properly. Whether your child needs braces , Invisalign® , or preventative orthodontics, we aim to create a lifetime of healthy smiles. Let’s explore why early evaluations matter, how they help, and what you can expect from a visit to Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park. Why the AAO Recommends an Orthodontic Checkup by Age 7 Many parents assume orthodontic treatment begins in the teenage years, but according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) , an initial evaluation should occur by age seven . Why so early? At this stage, your child’s permanent teeth are starting to come in, and early warning signs of misalignment, bite issues, and jaw development problems can be detected. Key Benefits of an Age 7 Evaluation Detecting Hidden Issues Early – Not all orthodontic problems are immediately visible. X-rays and professional evaluations can reveal problems beneath the surface. Guiding Jaw Growth – Early intervention can help correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites before they become more severe. Reducing Future Treatment Time – Addressing problems early may reduce or even eliminate the need for braces or extractions in the future. Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park offers free consultations so parents can understand their child’s orthodontic needs without pressure or commitment. How Early Orthodontic Evaluations Benefit Your Child Scheduling an early orthodontic checkup is not about immediately putting braces on your child. Instead, it’s about monitoring growth and development to determine the best action. Early Evaluations Help With: ✔ Guiding Teeth Into Proper Positions – If there’s too much crowding, an orthodontist can guide teeth into alignment as they emerge. ✔ Preventing Jaw Problems – Some children develop bite issues that, if left untreated, could lead to difficulty chewing, speaking, or even breathing . ✔ Avoiding Tooth Extractions – When orthodontic issues are caught early, treatments like expanders can make room for permanent teeth, reducing the need for extractions later. ✔ Boosting Confidence – A straight smile helps kids feel good about themselves, leading to better self-esteem and social interactions . By evaluating your child’s dental development early, Dr. Escott and Dr. Davis can create a personalized plan to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile for years . Common Orthodontic Issues Detected in Early Evaluations At Escott Orthodontics , we see a variety of early orthodontic concerns. Some of the most common ones include: 1. Bite Problems Overbite: Upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. Underbite: Lower teeth extend past the upper teeth. Crossbite: Upper and lower teeth do not align properly when biting down. 2. Crowding & Spacing Issues Crowding: Teeth don’t have enough room to align properly. Excessive Spacing: Gaps between teeth that may indicate missing or small teeth. 3. Jaw Growth Issues If the upper or lower jaw is too small or too large, it can create a misaligned bite and affect speech and chewing. 4. Prolonged Oral Habits Thumb-sucking and pacifier use beyond age 3-4 can cause dental misalignment. By catching these issues early, Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park can intervene at the right time to create a healthier, straighter smile for your child . The Process of an Early Orthodontic Evaluation at Escott Ortho At Escott Orthodontics , we make early orthodontic visits a stress-free experience for parents and kids. What to Expect During Your Free Consultation Digital X-rays & Exam – We check for jaw alignment, bite issues, and emerging teeth . Personalized Treatment Plan – We explain all options clearly if treatment is needed. No-Pressure Approach – If no immediate treatment is necessary, we monitor your child’s development with periodic checkups . We aim to ensure your child’s smile grows naturally and beautifully with gentle, proactive care . Ready to Schedule Your Child’s Free Orthodontic Evaluation? Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park is here to help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile . Whether a simple checkup or early treatment, Dr. Escott and Dr. Davis provide expert, compassionate care that makes a difference. 📍 Locations: Lake County, College Park (Orlando), Baldwin Park (Orlando), FL 🌐 Website: escottortho.com ⭐ 5-Star Rated with 400+ Reviews Let’s give your child the gift of a lifetime smile —because there’s sunshine in every smile! Conclusion: Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy, Confident Smile A beautiful, healthy smile starts with early care, and an orthodontic evaluation by age seven is the first step in ensuring your child’s teeth and jaw develop properly. At Escott Ortho in Baldwin Park , Dr. Christopher Escott and Dr. Hunter Davis are dedicated to providing children with top-quality, compassionate orthodontic care . By addressing potential issues early, we can prevent future complications, reduce treatment time, and even save on long-term costs . Whether your child needs braces, Invisalign®, or a monitoring plan , our team is here to guide you every step. With a 5-star rating and over 400 glowing reviews , Escott Orthodontics has been recognized as the “Best of the Best - Orthodontist” for four years —a testament to our commitment to creating bright, confident smiles in Baldwin Park and beyond. Frequently Asked Questions Does every child need braces after an early orthodontic evaluation? Not necessarily. Some kids only need monitoring, while others may benefit from early intervention. What if my child’s teeth look straight? Even straight teeth can have underlying bite or jaw issues that require attention. How much does an early orthodontic evaluation cost? Escott Ortho offers free initial consultations for new patients. Is early treatment more expensive than waiting? No! Early care can prevent more complex (and costly) treatments later. How do I schedule an appointment? Click HERE or call our Baldwin Park office today!