As parents, we all want our children to grow up healthy, confident, and smiling wide—and that includes making sure their teeth and jaws are developing properly. At Embrace Your Smile Orthodontics, we believe that orthodontic care should begin early—not necessarily with braces, but with a gentle and informative evaluation that can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Whether your child is showing signs of misalignment or not, a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 can help identify potential issues early and provide timely solutions that lead to better outcomes later on.
Early Orthodontic Intervention: The Importance of Age Seven
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, age 7 is the recommended time for a child’s first visit to an orthodontist. That’s because by this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to evaluate bite alignment and jaw growth.
Early evaluations can help detect:
- Crossbites, overbites, or underbites
- Crowding or spacing issues
- Jaw development concerns
- Thumb-sucking effects or speech difficulties
Even if treatment isn't needed right away, regular checkups let us monitor growth and recommend care at the right time—often reducing the need for more extensive treatment later.
Advantages of Early Orthodontic Care in Santa Clarita
Orthodontic issues are often easier and less costly to treat when caught early. Proactive care can prevent more serious complications and even shorten overall treatment time.
Advantages of early intervention may include:
- Guiding jaw growth and permanent tooth eruption
- Reducing the risk of impacted teeth
- Correcting harmful oral habits
- Enhancing facial symmetry and bite function
- Boosting self-esteem during critical developmental years
At Embrace Your Smile, we take a conservative and personalized approach—only recommending early treatment when it truly benefits your child’s long-term oral health.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation
Your child’s first appointment will be friendly, informative, and low-pressure. We’ll walk you through everything and answer all your questions with care.
The initial evaluation includes:
- Digital X-rays and photos to assess tooth and jaw development
- Examination from one of our doctors
- Explanation of findings and treatment recommendations
And don’t worry—no treatments are performed at this visit. It’s all about gathering information and making you feel confident and informed.
Experienced Orthodontists in Santa Clarita: Why Choose Embrace Your Smile
With over 75 years of combined experience, Dr. Gilbertson and Dr. LeCornu are known across Santa Clarita for their skill, compassion, and family-friendly care. Dr. LeCornu is one of just six board-certified orthodontists in the Santa Clarita Valley—and the only female orthodontist in the area—bringing advanced expertise and a nurturing approach to every appointment.
From early screenings to teen braces and beyond, we’re here to support your child’s smile at every stage.
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation Today
It’s never too early to get peace of mind about your child’s dental development. Early orthodontic evaluation is a smart step toward a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles—and we’re here to make it easy.
📍 Santa Clarita Orthodontic Office
23206 Lyons Avenue, Suite 206
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
📍 Valencia Orthodontic Office
27891 Smyth Dr. Unit A
Valencia, CA 91355
👉 Book your child’s complimentary consultation today atEmbrace Your Smile Orthodontics
📞 Or call: (661) 259-2388
