Toothman Orthodontics Explains The Benefits Of Starting Treatment By Age 7

The ADA Recommends A First Orthodontic Visit By Age 7, And We Are Here To Guide Your Child’s Smile From The Start

Table of Contents

Introduction

Meet The Doctor

Why Age Seven Matters For Early Orthodontic Care

What Happens During An Orthodontic Exam For Kids

Bite Problems In Children We Look For At Age Seven

Signs Your Child May Need An Early Evaluation

Early Treatment Vs Monitoring: How We Decide What Is Best

What Phase One Orthodontics Can Do

Braces, Aligners, And Clear Trays: Options For Growing Smiles

Our Top Picks For Supporting A Healthy Smile At Home

Pro Tips For A Smooth First Orthodontic Visit

Patient Spotlight

Why Choose Toothman Orthodontics

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

If you are a parent, you already know this is how it goes: one minute your child has a gap-toothed grin, and the next minute permanent teeth are coming in fast. It can be hard to tell what is “normal,” what will straighten out on its own, and what could become a bigger issue later. That is exactly why an early orthodontic visit matters.

At Toothman Orthodontics, we guide families in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland, with a clear plan for early orthodontic care. We are led by Dr. Jeffrey Toothman, and we are proud of our father-son legacy of serving smiles in Maryland since 1977. As a Platinum Invisalign® Provider, we offer modern orthodontic solutions, including braces, Invisalign, and Queue™ Aligners, with treatment plans built around healthy function, stable alignment, and long-term confidence.

In this guide, we will explain why age seven is such an important milestone, what we evaluate during an orthodontic exam, and how early treatment, called Phase One orthodontics, can help address bite problems in children before they become more complex.

Quick Note Before We Dive In

An early orthodontic visit does not automatically mean early braces. In many cases, it simply means early clarity, better timing, and peace of mind.

Meet Our Doctor

Toothman Orthodontics is proudly led by Dr. Jeffrey Toothman. Our team is known for patient-first care, clear communication, and a focus on results that look great and function well.

We serve families at two convenient Maryland locations:

• Frederick
• Hagerstown

Whether your child needs early treatment, monitoring, braces later on, or clear aligners as a teen, we will guide you with a plan built around stability and long-term oral health.

Why Age Seven Matters For Early Orthodontic Care

Parents often ask, “Why age seven?” The simple answer is that age seven is a sweet spot for diagnosis. Around this time, kids typically have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. That mix gives us important information about tooth eruption, spacing, jaw growth, and bite development.

What Makes Age Seven So Valuable

At age seven, we can often spot:

• Developing crowding before it blocks eruption
• Bite imbalances that cause the jaw to shift
• Crossbites that can influence jaw growth
• Early underbite patterns that may worsen with growth
• Overjet that increases the risk of chipped front teeth
• Habits that may be affecting tooth position and function

The Biggest Benefit Of An Early Visit

An early orthodontic exam helps us protect options.

When we catch certain issues early, we can often guide growth in a way that reduces complexity later. Sometimes that means early Phase One orthodontics. Sometimes it means monitoring with a timeline. Either way, you get a plan you can trust.

What If Your Child Is Older Than Seven

If your child is 9, 10, 11, or older, it is still a great time to schedule an evaluation. Many kids begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment in the preteen and teen years. An orthodontic exam helps us choose the right timing based on growth, eruption, and bite needs.

What Happens During An Orthodontic Exam For Kids

You deserve more than a quick glance. A proper orthodontic exam evaluates more than tooth straightness. It looks at how the jaws are developing and how the teeth fit together, because bite drives comfort, stability, and long-term health.

What We Evaluate

During your child’s evaluation, we look at:

• Tooth eruption patterns and spacing
• Crowding risk as more adult teeth come in
• Bite relationship and how the teeth meet
• Jaw alignment and whether the jaw shifts to close
• Functional cues like chewing patterns and comfort
• Signs of crossbite, underbite, overbite, or open bite

Depending on your child’s needs, we may use digital scans, photos, and X-rays. These records help us see what is happening above and below the gums, including the root position and developing teeth that have not yet erupted.

What You Leave With

After the visit, you will have:

• A clear explanation of what we see
• A recommendation for early treatment or monitoring
• A timing plan for future orthodontics if needed
• Next steps that feel simple and doable

A Helpful Way To Think About It

A pediatric dental visit focuses on overall oral health, hygiene, and cavity prevention. An orthodontic exam focuses on growth, bite alignment, and the path your child’s smile is taking as permanent teeth come in. Both are important, and they work best together.

Bite Problems In Children We Look For At Age Seven

Some bite problems are easy to spot. Others look small at first, but they can influence growth over time. Early orthodontic care is about identifying patterns and choosing the right timing.

Common Bite Problems We Evaluate

Crossbite

A crossbite can cause the jaw to shift to one side to find a “comfortable” bite. Over time, that shift can affect growth and balance.

Overbite

A deeper overbite can increase tooth wear and contribute to gum irritation or crowding.

Underbite

An underbite pattern can become more pronounced as a child grows, which is why early evaluation matters.

Open Bite

An open bite can affect biting into foods and may be connected to habits or growth patterns.

Excess Overjet

Front teeth that stick out can be more vulnerable to chipping during sports and play.

Crowding

Crowding can block eruption and create a more complicated alignment path later.

Why We Take These Patterns Seriously

We are not looking for perfection at age seven. We are looking for direction.

If the direction suggests future issues, we can often guide timing and growth to protect your child’s smile long-term.

Signs Your Child May Need An Early Evaluation

Many parents schedule an orthodontic exam because something “just looks off.” That instinct is often right. Here are some signs that it is worth checking in.

Signs Parents Notice At Home

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Teeth that come in rotated or out of place
• Front teeth that stick out
• The jaw shifts when closing
• The bite looks uneven from side to side
• Difficulty biting into foods like sandwiches
• Frequent cheek biting
• Speech concerns that seem related to tooth position

Habits That Can Affect Growth

Not every habit causes orthodontic issues, but persistent habits can increase risk:

• Thumb or finger sucking
• Tongue thrust patterns
• Mouth breathing and lips that do not rest closed comfortably

If you see these patterns, it does not mean your child is “behind.” It simply means an early orthodontic exam can provide clarity.

Quick Parent Self-Check 

If you answer “yes” to two or more of these, it is worth scheduling an evaluation:

• Does your child chew mostly on one side?
• Does their bite look uneven when they smile?
• Do their front teeth stick out noticeably?
• Have you noticed mouth breathing or open-mouth posture?
• Do you worry there will not be enough space for adult teeth?

Early Treatment Vs Monitoring: How We Decide What Is Best

One of the most important parts of early orthodontic care is knowing when to treat and when to wait. Early treatment can be powerful, but it is not always necessary.

When Early Treatment May Be Recommended

We may recommend early treatment when:

• A crossbite is guiding the jaw to shift
• Eruption is blocked by severe crowding
• An underbite pattern is developing
• Protruding front teeth increase trauma risk
• An open bite is linked to habits that need support
• Growth guidance can reduce future complexity

When Monitoring May Be The Better Plan

We may recommend monitoring when:

• Growth timing suggests a better window later
• Eruption patterns are still developing normally
• A mild concern is stable and not causing damage
• Comprehensive orthodontics will be more efficient in a later stage

What Monitoring Means At Toothman Orthodontics

Monitoring is an active plan with clear check-in timing. We track growth and eruptions so we can act at the right moment, not too early or too late.

What Phase One Orthodontics Can Do

Early treatment is often called Phase One orthodontics. It is designed to address specific bite or growth issues while your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth.

The Goal Of Phase One Orthodontics

Phase One treatment is not about making every tooth perfectly straight at age eight. It is about improving the foundation.

Phase One orthodontics can help:

• Guide jaw growth in a healthier direction
• Correct crossbites that affect development
• Create space for permanent teeth to erupt
• Reduce risk of impacted teeth
• Improve bite function and stability
• Support healthier long-term alignment patterns

What Phase One Treatment Often Looks Like

Every child is different, but Phase One plans may include orthodontic appliances or limited braces based on what is needed to guide growth and eruption.

If Phase One is recommended, we explain:

• What we are correcting
• Why timing matters
• What to expect during treatment
• Whether a second phase is likely later

Will My Child Still Need Braces Later?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Many children still benefit from a second phase once more permanent teeth are in. The difference is that Phase One often makes Phase Two shorter, simpler, and more predictable. It also helps prevent certain problems from getting worse during growth.

Braces and Aligners: Options For Growing Smiles

Families often ask about options early, including braces and clear trays like Invisalign. The right choice depends on your child’s age, eruption stage, and bite needs.

At Toothman Orthodontics, we offer:

• Braces
• Invisalign®
• Queue™ Aligners

When Braces Are Often The Best Tool

Braces can be ideal when we need full control and consistent correction, especially for:

• Crossbite correction
• Complex crowding
• Significant bite changes
• Tooth movements that require precise mechanics

When Aligners Can Be A Great Fit

Clear aligners can be a great option for many teens and some older children when:

• The case fits aligner movement patterns
• The patient can wear aligners consistently
• The family wants a discreet treatment option
• Oral hygiene is a major priority

If you are hearing phrases like “clear trays” online, the most important factor is still the same: treatment should be planned and monitored by an orthodontic specialist. The plan is what protects long-term stability.

Our Top Picks For Supporting A Healthy Smile At Home

Orthodontics is a team effort. These habits support healthier teeth and smoother treatment when orthodontics becomes part of the plan.

Our Top Picks

• Brush twice per day with a consistent routine
• Floss daily with parent support when needed
• Choose water more often than sugary drinks
• Limit sticky snacks that linger on teeth
• Keep regular dental cleanings on the calendar
• Use a mouthguard for sports and active play
• Mention any persistent habits at your child’s visit

Social Challenge: The “7-Day Smile Check”

For the next 7 days:

• Watch how your child’s teeth come together when they bite
• Notice if they shift their jaw to one side
• Ask whether chewing feels easier on one side
• Write down anything you notice

Bring your notes to your orthodontic exam. Simple observations can help us evaluate function more clearly.

Pro Tips For A Smooth First Orthodontic Visit

A first orthodontic visit should feel simple and encouraging. These tips help kids feel calm and help parents feel prepared.

Pro Tips

• Schedule a time when your child is not rushed
• Explain the visit as a smile check and growth review
• Bring a short list of questions or concerns
• Let your child be part of the conversation
• Focus on confidence and clarity, not fear

If your child is nervous, that is normal. Our team keeps the visit friendly and supportive, and we explain what we are doing in a way kids can understand.

Patient Spotlight

A parent brought their child in after noticing the bite looked uneven in photos and the child seemed to chew mostly on one side. During the orthodontic exam, we found a developing crossbite that was guiding the jaw to shift to close comfortably.

The family assumed it would “work itself out,” but the pattern suggested it could affect growth over time. We created an early treatment plan focused on guiding bite development and supporting healthier function. Over time, the bite became more balanced, chewing felt easier, and the jaw shift reduced.

The biggest win was peace of mind. The family understood what was happening, what we were watching, and why the plan made sense for long-term stability.

Why Choose Toothman Orthodontics

When it comes to early orthodontic care, planning and experience matter. You want a team that understands growth patterns, bite mechanics, and long-term stability.

At Toothman Orthodontics, you can expect:

• Care led by Dr. Jeffrey Toothman
• A father-son legacy serving smiles in Maryland since 1977
• Platinum Invisalign provider experience
• Braces, Invisalign, and Queue Aligners options
• A focus on bite function and long-term stability
• Two convenient locations in Frederick and Hagerstown
• A 5-star reputation with 470+ reviews

We believe parents deserve clarity and kids deserve confidence. If early treatment is needed, we explain why. If monitoring is best, we explain what we are watching and when we will act.

Conclusion

A first orthodontic visit around age seven is one of the smartest steps you can take for your child’s long-term smile. It is not about rushing into braces. It is about catching bite problems in children early, guiding growth when needed, and creating a plan that protects healthy alignment and comfort over time.

At Toothman Orthodontics, we are proud to serve families in Frederick and Hagerstown with braces, Invisalign, Queue Aligners, and early treatment plans built around stability and confidence. If you are ready to schedule an orthodontic exam for your child, we would love to help you get clear answers and a timeline you can trust.

Call us today to schedule your consultation:

• Frederick: 301-662-3366
• Hagerstown: 301-791-1770

Learn more at toothmanorthodontics.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phase One orthodontics?

Phase One orthodontics is early treatment designed to address specific bite or growth issues while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. The goal is to guide development and support healthier long-term alignment.

Does my child need braces at age seven?

Not always. Many children only need monitoring. If treatment is recommended at age seven, it is usually to correct a bite issue, guide growth, or create space for healthy eruption.

What happens during a child’s orthodontic exam?

We evaluate tooth eruption, spacing, bite relationship, and jaw alignment. We may use digital scans, photos, and X-rays to understand tooth and root positions and create an accurate plan.

What bite problems in children are most common?

Common concerns include crossbites, crowding, overbites, underbites, open bites, and excessive overjet. These issues can affect comfort, eruption patterns, and long-term stability.

Can my child do Invisalign?

Some older children and many teens can be great candidates for clear trays like Invisalign, depending on their eruption stage and wear consistency. We offer Invisalign and Queue Aligners and will recommend the best option based on your child’s needs.



How long will orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment length depends on the type of correction needed. Some early treatment plans are shorter, while comprehensive braces or clear aligners often lasts 12 to 24 months, and we will outline a timeline during your consultation.