The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. That visit doesn’t mean your child needs braces right away. It gives your orthodontist a chance to spot crowding, crossbites and jaw growth concerns early, when they’re often simpler to guide. At John Orthodontics, Parkland families get a complimentary first consultation with Dr. Eliane A. John, a board-certified orthodontist and fellow Parkland parent.
Age 7 Is the Right Time for a First Orthodontic Check
Your child should see an orthodontist around age 7. By then, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, so your orthodontist can see how the bite is developing from front to back and side to side.
It’s a checkup, not a commitment. Many children who come in at 7 don’t need any treatment yet. We simply keep an eye on how their adult teeth come in and let you know when the timing is right.
Dr. John follows the AAO’s guidance because early answers make life easier. When your orthodontist catches a concern while your child’s jaw is still growing, the fix is often more straightforward than it would be a few years later.
What Dr. John Looks for During an Early Evaluation
At your child’s first visit, Dr. John checks how the teeth, bite and jaws fit together. She’s looking for things that are easier to guide now than to correct later, including:
- Crowding where adult teeth don’t have enough room to come in
- Crossbites where upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth
- Open bites where the front teeth don’t meet
- Overbites where the upper front teeth overlap too far
- Gummy smiles that may relate to jaw growth
You’ll get a clear explanation of what she sees, in plain language. If everything looks on track, you’ll leave with peace of mind and a plan to check in again as your child grows. Dr. John speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish, so more Parkland families can ask questions comfortably in the language they prefer.
Phase I Treatment Guides Growth While Kids Are Still Growing
Phase I treatment is early orthodontic care that uses the natural growth of a child’s jaw to create a healthier foundation for adult teeth. It’s also called interceptive orthodontics, because the goal is to intercept a problem before it becomes more complex.
Not every child needs it. When Dr. John does recommend Phase I, she may use fixed or removable orthodontic appliances to:
- Create room for crowded or erupting teeth
- Save space for adult teeth that haven’t come in yet
- Guide jaw growth for better facial balance
- Reduce the chance of needing tooth extractions later
- Shorten the time your child may need braces as a teen
You can read more about our approach on our early orthodontic treatment page.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From an Early Visit
You don’t have to wait for age 7 if something catches your eye. A few signs are worth a closer look:
- Baby teeth falling out much earlier or later than classmates
- Trouble biting or chewing
- Teeth that look crowded, blocked out or widely spaced
- A jaw that shifts to one side when your child closes their mouth
- Front teeth that stick out or don’t meet
- Thumb sucking that continues past the toddler years
None of these mean something is wrong. They’re simply good reasons to let your orthodontist take a look.
A Parkland Mom Caring for Parkland Kids
Dr. John isn’t only an orthodontist who serves Parkland. She lives here. Her own two children grew up in the Parkland school district, and our team shows up for the same community your family does.
John Orthodontics proudly sponsors Parkland Youth Soccer and Parkland Youth Baseball, and we’ve supported the Heron Heights PTA, the Parktrails PTA and Riverglades Elementary School. You may have seen us at Parkland Trunk or Treat, too.
That local connection shapes how we care for your child. We know the school calendars, the practice schedules and how busy Parkland families get. With appointments Monday through Thursday and one Saturday a month, it’s easier to fit visits around everything else on your plate.
Dr. John’s Training and Experience
Dr. Eliane A. John is a board-certified orthodontist with 20 years of experience. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California San Francisco, graduating second in her class in the International Dental Program. She then completed her Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry at the University of Detroit Mercy.
She’s an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the South Florida Association of Orthodontists. Learn more about Dr. John.
Frequently Asked Questions
Locations We Serve
Serving families throughout Broward County
John Orthodontics welcomes families from Parkland, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton and communities throughout Broward County.
Schedule Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit
Curious about your child’s smile? We’d love to meet your family. Book a complimentary consultation with Dr. John or call 954-575-3313 to get started.
Current Patient: 954-575-3313
