February is Children’s Dental Health Month, which means it’s the perfect time to answer one of the most common (and very reasonable) parent questions we hear:
When should my child see an orthodontist, and what actually happens at that first visit?
If you’re imagining pressure to commit to braces, surprise treatment plans, or a rushed appointment, you can take a breath! A first orthodontist visit is far more about education, comfort, and peace of mind than starting treatment right away.
At Matsumoto Orthodontics in Wilmington, NC, our approach to kids orthodontics is thoughtful, conservative, and grounded in expertise, never pushy. Here’s what parents can truly expect:
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontist visit around age 7.
That doesn’t mean age 7 is the best age to get braces. It simply means it’s the ideal time to evaluate growth and development.
By this age, children typically have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which allows a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Ken Matsumoto to spot early patterns that may affect the smile, bite, or jaw as your child grows.
And no, you do not need a referral to see an orthodontist. Parents can schedule directly with our pediatric orthodontist in Wilmington, NC.
Dr. Matsumoto is highly experienced in early intervention, diagnosing and treating issues before they worsen. He’s board-certified and dual trained in orthodontics and periodontics, which means his expertise goes much deeper than teeth!
Patients travel from across the country to visit Dr. Matsumoto for his experience in palatal expansion, intervention, and truly comprehensive care. You and your family are in the best possible hands with us.
What Happens During a First Orthodontist Visit?
1. A Warm, Kid-Friendly Introduction
First things first: we help your child feel comfortable. This visit is about building trust, not rushing into braces. Many children have never been to an orthodontic office before, so we keep things relaxed, positive, and age-appropriate.
2. A Comprehensive Smile & Growth Assessment
Your child’s orthodontic evaluation includes:
- A gentle physical exam of the teeth and bite
- An assessment of jaw growth and facial development
- Advanced digital imaging (when appropriate) to see what’s happening beneath the surface
This allows us to identify whether orthodontic issues are present, or likely to emerge, while everything is still developing.
3. Looking Beyond “Straight Teeth”
Parents often ask: Are braces necessary or cosmetic?
In children, orthodontics is rarely about cosmetics alone. Early orthodontic treatment focuses on function, health, and long-term stability: things like crowding, bite alignment, jaw growth, and airway considerations.
Is Early Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. And that nuance matters.
Early intervention (also called early interceptive orthodontics) can be incredibly beneficial for children who need it. Because children’s jaw bones are still growing, we can create a treatment plan to guide development rather than correct problems later when growth has stopped.
When early orthodontic treatment is recommended, it can:
- Reduce the need for more invasive procedures later
- Shorten overall treatment time
- Allow for gentler, less complex solutions
- Prevent discomfort associated with severe crowding or bite issues
A Personalized, Conservative Treatment Plan, If Needed
If your child would benefit from treatment, we’ll walk you through:
- What we’re seeing
- Why treatment is recommended
- What type of treatment (if any) makes sense
- When the right time to start would be
This might include braces for kids, limited early appliances, or a plan to wait and reassess later. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in kids orthodontics.
No Pressure. Ever.
This part matters enough to say clearly:
We do not rush children into treatment.
In fact, many first orthodontic visits end with reassurance, not braces. Often, the best outcome is simply confirming that your child’s smile is developing on track and that no treatment is needed yet.
For parents, that peace of mind is powerful. For kids, it sets the tone for a positive relationship with orthodontic care.
What is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
If early treatment is recommended, it’s often what we call “Phase 1 orthodontics”.
Phase 1 treatment focuses on guiding jaw growth and creating space for adult teeth. Because this phase occurs while your child is still growing, treatment can be simpler, shorter, and more comfortable than waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted.
Depending on your child’s needs, Phase 1 orthodontic treatment may involve:
- A growth-guiding or expansion appliance, like the Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)
- Limited braces
- Orthodontic appliances designed to improve bite alignment or jaw development
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. When it is recommended, the goal is to address developing concerns early, so future treatment is less invasive and more efficient.
Phase 1 orthodontics is never about over-treating. It’s about using the right amount of care at the right time, while your child’s growth is working in their favor.
Braces for Baby Teeth? Let’s Clear That Up.
Another common concern: Do kids get braces on baby teeth?
The answer is: it depends! Orthodontic planning considers how permanent teeth are developing, not just what’s currently visible
Every smile develops at a different rate, and depending on your child’s age and growth stage, braces may be the most efficient treatment route.
Either way, Dr. Matsumoto will guide you and your little one through every step of their smile assessment and treatment recommendations. You’ll always know what to expect, and we’ll never move forward without your and your child feeling 100% comfortable.
The Takeaway for Parents
Your child’s first orthodontic check-up is about:
- Expert evaluation
- Early awareness
- Conservative guidance
- Long-term oral health
Not sales. Not pressure. Not rushing into braces.
During Children’s Dental Health Month (and all year long), we believe informed parents make confident decisions. Whether your child needs early intervention now, later, or not at all, the goal is the same: a healthy, functional smile that develops the right way.
If you’ve been searching for a child orthodontist or a pediatric orthodontist near you in Wilmington, NC, a thoughtful first visit can give you clarity and peace of mind, right from the start.
We offer orthodontic exams, so your family can receive an expert smile assessment with no pressure.
Book your child’s first orthodontist visit today. Dr. Matsumoto and our team at Matsumoto Orthodontics in Porters Neck, Wilmington will guide you through every step.
