New Year, New Growth: When to Schedule Your Child's First Orthodontic Exam
With the new year often comes a fresh start, and for many families, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at their child’s health milestones. One appointment that often goes overlooked is the first orthodontic exam.
At Patel Family Orthodontics, Dr. Shivani and Dr. Jaanki Patel are here to assess your child’s smile and make sure their oral development is on track. An early orthodontic evaluation helps spot both current and future orthodontic issues, and allows us to determine the best path forward for your child’s oral health.
Why Timing Matters: The Best Age for an Orthodontic Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. At this age, a mix of baby and permanent teeth allows orthodontists to spot early signs of potential issues, even if they aren't obvious to parents yet.
Scheduling an exam early doesn’t always mean treatment will be needed right away, but it does mean we can guide proper jaw development and monitor changes as your child grows. At Patel Family Orthodontics, early evaluations focus on:
- Identifying bite concerns such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites
- Monitoring jaw growth and development
- Evaluating spacing issues caused by early or late tooth loss
- Preventing more complex treatment later with timely intervention
Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontic Exam Sooner
While age 7 is the widely accepted standard, there are specific signs that may suggest your child could benefit from an orthodontic exam earlier. If you're noticing any of the following, it might be time to schedule a visit:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing or chronic thumb-sucking
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Misaligned, crowded, or protruding teeth
A trained eye can catch issues that may not be immediately visible. Dr. Shivani and Dr. Jaanki make it a priority to explain their findings with clarity and honesty, so you feel empowered in every decision surrounding your child’s care.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Visit
Our warmly lit, family-friendly office in Katy is designed with your child’s comfort in mind. During the initial exam, we use advanced imaging like digital x-rays and 3D scanning to get a detailed view of your child’s dental development, completely non-invasive and stress-free.
After they're done assessing your child’s orthodontic condition, Dr. Shivani or Dr. Jaanki will take the time to discuss any observations and walk you through the recommended next steps with gentle, compassionate guidance. Here’s what a typical first orthodontic exam includes:
- Comprehensive oral and facial evaluation
- Digital imaging to assess tooth positioning
- Discussion of whether treatment is needed (now or later)
- Overview of financial options if future treatment is indicated
Both of our orthodontists are board-certified and stay current with cutting-edge treatment protocols. You can rest assured you're receiving care that’s both high in quality and rich in empathy.
Caring for Growing Smiles with Family-Centered Expertise
At Patel Family Orthodontics, we believe that early orthodontic care should be simple, supportive, and accessible for every family. As a sister-led, family-owned practice, Drs. Shivani and Jaanki Patel deliver care that goes beyond expertise, it’s care that feels like home. From flexible financing to insurance-friendly policies, we’re here to make every stage of your child’s smile journey as smooth as possible.
When you partner with us, you’re not only investing in state-of-the-art orthodontics. You’re also choosing warmth, transparency, and a team who truly gets to know your family. This is modern care with heart, rooted in knowledge and a genuine passion for seeing young smiles thrive.
Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Exam in Katy
If you’re ready to take that first step toward a confident, healthy smile for your child, we’d love to welcome you to Patel Family Orthodontics in Katy. Dr. Shivani and Dr. Jaanki are here to guide your family with trusted care, gentle expertise, and modern tools that make treatment clear and comfortable from the start. Call us today at (281) 769-2255 to request your child’s first orthodontic exam, and start the new year with a new reason to smile.
