The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check around age 7. Dr. Nourian looks at how your child's teeth and jaws are developing and explains whether to monitor, treat, or simply check again later.
FIRST ORTHODONTIC CHECK
Around age 7. By then most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and an orthodontist can often spot developing bite, spacing or jaw-growth concerns early. Children's orthodontics at this age is mostly about evaluation — finding out whether anything needs attention now or simply needs to be watched.
At Trusted Dental & Orthodontics, our general dental team and Dr. Nourian work in the same office, so concerns noticed at a checkup can be followed up easily. For cleanings and cavity prevention, see children's dentistry; for Phase 1 treatment details, see early interceptive treatment.
SIGNS PARENTS MAY NOTICE
Some concerns are easy to spot at home. If you notice any of these, an evaluation can help clarify what's going on.
Permanent teeth that come in twisted, overlapped or blocked can be a sign there isn't enough room in the jaw.
Losing baby teeth much earlier or later than usual may affect where and when permanent teeth come in.
Upper teeth that bite inside the lower teeth, or a jaw that slides to one side when closing, are worth having evaluated.
Front teeth that stick out, overlap deeply, or don't touch when your child bites down may point to a developing bite issue.
Ongoing thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting or frequent mouth breathing can influence how the teeth and jaws develop.
If no treatment is needed yet, Dr. Nourian can track your child's development at follow-up visits as more permanent teeth come in.
MONITORING VS. TREATING
No. For many children, the right recommendation after a first check is to wait and re-evaluate as more permanent teeth erupt. Monitoring lets Dr. Nourian follow changes over time without starting treatment before it's useful.
When a problem is likely to become harder to correct with growth — such as some crossbites or severe crowding — he may recommend a short phase of early treatment. If so, he'll explain the reasons, the goals and the next steps so you can decide with confidence.
WHY CHOOSE US
Dr. Nourian takes time to explain what he sees, what to watch for at home, and when your child should come back.
Dr. Nourian completed a two-year orthodontics residency and provides early orthodontic care for children as well as teens and adults.
We keep visits relaxed and explain each step in words kids understand, so a first visit feels less intimidating.
If monitoring is the better choice, we'll tell you. Treatment is suggested only when there's a clear reason for it.
Your child's dental checkups and orthodontic evaluations are coordinated in one office, so information is easily shared between providers.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions Los Angeles parents ask about their child's first orthodontic check.
Not necessarily. Age 7 is a good time for a first orthodontic check, not an automatic start to treatment. Many children are simply monitored and rechecked as more permanent teeth come in, and Dr. Nourian recommends treatment only when it is likely to offer a real benefit.
Dr. Nourian looks at your child's teeth, bite and jaw growth, and may take low-radiation digital X-rays to see teeth that haven't come in yet. He then explains what he found and whether to monitor, treat, or return for a future check. Parents are welcome to ask questions throughout.
Common signs include crowded permanent teeth, losing baby teeth very early or late, a jaw that shifts when your child bites, front teeth that don't meet, and thumb-sucking that continues as permanent teeth arrive. Noticing one of these doesn't always mean treatment is needed, but an evaluation can help sort out what is normal development.
No. A regular checkup with our general dental team focuses on cleanings, cavities and overall oral health, while an orthodontic check with Dr. Nourian focuses on bite, spacing and jaw growth. Because both happen in our Los Angeles office, the two can be coordinated.
Around age 7 is a good time for a first look. Schedule a free, no-obligation orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Nourian and get clear answers about your child's development.