Growing Smiles: How to Set Your Child Up for a Lifetime of Healthy Teeth
Parenting is a full-time job, and we’re here to make it easier. At Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics, we created an educational newsletter as part of our Smile Squad Program so you can “Learn As They Grow”. The information about developmental milestones helps parents navigate their child’s early dental development. Orthodontists are experts on jaw growth, bite alignment, as well as many other key factors in long-term dental health. Let us help your child achieve a smile that’s healthy, confident, and built to last.
Why Early Orthodontic Awareness Matters
Most orthodontic treatments don’t begin until a child is older, but early awareness can make a big difference. By age 7, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to detect potential issues before they become more serious. Early detection can help reduce the need for extractions, shorten treatment time, and prevent more severe misalignment or bite issues.
Since orthodontic concerns develop gradually, they may not always be obvious to parents. Regular check-ins with an orthodontist allow for ongoing monitoring of jaw growth and tooth alignment, ensuring that treatment, if needed, is done at the ideal time.
The “Learn As They Grow” Educational
The Smile Squad Program shares helpful information about your child’s dental development, so you can feel confident about their growth. It also helps kids and parents build a positive connection with their orthodontist early on.
Parents enrolled in this program receive:
- An annual “What to Expect This Year” newsletter, sent during their child’s birth month, that provides key insights into dental development at each stage.
- A fun digital goodie for their child in the same email to make learning about oral health engaging.
This program helps parents stay informed about their child’s oral health without needing unnecessary orthodontic visits. It also ensures that when the time does come for a screening, families feel confident and prepared.
Free Orthodontic Screenings at Age 7
At age 7, it’s time for a child’s first orthodontic screening—a simple, no-cost evaluation to check their bite, alignment, and jaw development.
A free screening includes:
- A full orthodontic exam to evaluate bite and spacing
- X-rays and digital scans to assess tooth and jaw growth
- A conversation with parents about any findings and future steps
- No financial or insurance impact
These screenings allow orthodontists to track changes every 6 to 12 months and catch potential issues before they become more complicated. While most children don’t need treatment right away, early evaluations help parents plan ahead with expert guidance. In some cases, we see children younger than age 7 when working alongside sleep physicians to support healthy airway development and treat concerns like sleep apnea.
The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluations
An orthodontic screening by age 7 allows orthodontists to detect signs of crowding, bite misalignment, or jaw growth concerns, preventing them from worsening over time. When intervention is needed, early treatment can often make future orthodontic care simpler and more effective.
The Smile Squad Observation Program also provides parents with complimentary 3D scans and regular screenings every 6 to 9 months, making it easier to financially plan for future treatment. Additionally, findings from each screening are shared with the child’s primary dentist, ensuring a collaborative approach to oral health.
Give Your Child a Head Start on a Healthy Smile
The best smiles start with education and early monitoring. Whether your child is just beginning their dental journey or is ready for their first orthodontic screening, Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics is here to support you.
Learn more about our Smile Squad Program and schedule a free early screening today. Click here to get started.