Most children should have a first check with an orthodontist by about age 7. At that age the first adult molars and front teeth are coming through, so an orthodontist can see how the bite and jaws are developing while they are still growing. Most children seen at 7 do not need treatment yet. The check tells you whether to watch and wait, or whether a short course of early treatment would make later treatment simpler.

At myPediaclinic in Dubai Healthcare City, early assessments are done by our specialist orthodontist, Dr. Mohamed Hassabu, who sees children from age 5 as well as teenagers and adults.

Why age 7?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check no later than age 7. By then:

  • the first permanent molars have usually come through, and they set how the back teeth meet
  • the permanent front teeth are coming in, so crowding and spacing start to show
  • the jaws are still growing, so some problems can be guided rather than corrected later

A check at 7 is not the same as braces at 7. It is a look at how things are developing, so that nothing that is easier to treat early is missed.

Signs your child should see an orthodontist sooner

Book an assessment, whatever your child’s age, if you notice:

  • a crossbite: upper teeth sitting inside the lower teeth when your child bites, at the front or the side
  • an underbite: lower front teeth in front of the upper ones
  • upper front teeth sticking out a long way, or front teeth that do not meet when the back teeth are together (an open bite)
  • crowding, with adult teeth coming in behind baby teeth or with no room
  • baby teeth lost very early or very late, or an adult tooth that has not appeared long after the baby tooth fell out
  • thumb or finger sucking after about age 5
  • mouth breathing or snoring most nights
  • the jaw shifting to one side when your child closes their mouth
  • difficulty biting or chewing, or biting the cheek or roof of the mouth

Our guides to bite problems in children, buck teeth, thumb sucking appliances and mouth breathing explain each of these in more detail.

What early treatment can and cannot do

Early treatment, sometimes called interceptive or Phase 1 treatment, aims to deal with a problem while the jaw is still growing. It is usually short and targeted.

It can help with:

  • widening a narrow upper jaw that causes a crossbite, often with a palatal expander
  • correcting a front crossbite or an underbite that is starting to develop
  • making space for crowded adult teeth
  • reducing the risk of injury to front teeth that stick out a long way
  • helping stop thumb sucking or tongue habits that are changing the bite
  • encouraging correct tongue position, breathing and swallowing with myofunctional appliances such as Myobrace
It does not usually replace braces later.
Many children who have early treatment still need braces or aligners as teenagers to finish the alignment of the adult teeth, but that later treatment is often simpler or shorter.
It is not needed for every child.
If the bite is developing well, or the problem is easier to treat once all the adult teeth are in, the orthodontist will suggest regular reviews instead.

What happens at an early orthodontic assessment

At the first visit the orthodontist:

Asks about your concerns
and your child’s habits, such as thumb sucking, snoring or mouth breathing.
Examines the teeth, bite and jaws,
and how your child’s lips and tongue rest and move.
Takes records if needed,
such as photographs, a digital scan of the teeth or X-rays.
Explains what is happening now and what is likely to happen
as more adult teeth come in.
Recommends one of three paths
no treatment and a routine review, monitoring every six to twelve months, or early treatment with a clear aim and timeframe.

You leave knowing whether there is anything to do now, and why.

Who carries out the assessment at myPediaclinic

Dr. Mohamed Hassabu is our Specialist Orthodontist, with more than 15 years in dentistry. He holds an MSc in Orthodontics from Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU), the MOrth from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the MJDF from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and is an Invisalign provider. He provides interceptive orthodontics and myofunctional appliances for young children, as well as braces and clear aligners for teenagers and adults. He consults in English and Arabic.

Because our pediatricians and pediatric dentists work in the same clinic, a child whose bite problem is linked to mouth breathing, enlarged adenoids or a tongue tie can be seen by the right colleague without a separate referral elsewhere.

Read more on our page for early orthodontic assessment and Myobrace.

Frequently asked questions

Is age 7 too early for braces?

A check at 7 is not the same as braces. Most children seen at 7 do not need any treatment yet. When early treatment is advised, it is usually a specific appliance for a specific problem, such as a narrow upper jaw, rather than full braces.

My child still has baby teeth. Is it worth checking now?

Yes. The mix of baby and adult teeth around age 7 is exactly what lets an orthodontist predict how the adult teeth will come in, and spot problems with space or jaw growth early.

Will early treatment mean my child does not need braces later?

Sometimes, but not usually. Early treatment deals with problems that are easier to correct while the jaw is growing. Many children still need braces or aligners as teenagers, though that treatment is often simpler.

What is a palatal expander?

A palatal expander is an appliance fitted to the upper back teeth that gently widens the upper jaw over a few weeks. It is used for a narrow upper jaw, which often causes a crossbite. It is most effective while the jaw is still growing.

What is Myobrace?

Myobrace is a removable myofunctional appliance worn for a short time each day and overnight. It is used with exercises to encourage correct tongue position, nasal breathing and swallowing, which can help the jaws and teeth develop. It suits some children, not all, and the orthodontist will say whether it fits your child.

How do I book an early orthodontic check?

You can contact the clinic to book an orthodontic assessment for your child. If you plan to use insurance, check with your insurer whether your plan needs a referral first. If your child already sees one of our pediatric dentists, they may also suggest an assessment at a check-up.