A Parent’s Guide from Happier Smiles Orthodontics in Escondido, CA
As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your child—especially when it comes to their health and confidence. With so many conflicting information out there, it can be overwhelming. But when it comes to orthodontics, many parents are left wondering:
“At what age should my child really see an orthodontist?”
The answer might surprise you: age 7.
Why Age 7 Is the Ideal Time for an Orthodontic Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7, even if there are no visible issues just for a growth check. By this age, your child has a mix of baby and adult teeth, which allows an orthodontist to spot early signs of problems like:
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Crowding or spacing
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Bite issues (overbite, underbite, cross bite)
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Jaw growth concerns
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Prolonged thumb-sucking or tongue thrust habits
Catching these issues early doesn’t always mean your child needs treatment right away—but it gives us the opportunity to monitor development and recommend early treatment ONLY if necessary.
What Happens at the First Visit?
At Happier Smiles Orthodontics, your child’s first visit is:
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Free and informative
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Designed to give you peace of mind as a parent and get all the info you need!
We’ll take digital X-rays and photos, do a quick smile assessment, and talk you through everything we see—no goopy molds needed!
Why Parents in Escondido Trust Happier Smiles Orthodontics
Our board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Neelab Anwar and Dr. Cyrus Aghdam, specialize in gentle, high-tech care for kids and teens. They both take pride in treating their patients like their own kids or family. Families across Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, and Valley Center and more trust us to treat their children like family—with kindness, honesty, and expert care. We can’t wait to meet you!
