Where Growing Smiles Get a Head Start
Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic checkup by age 7?
That doesn’t mean your child will need braces right away. The goal of an early orthodontic evaluation is to monitor growth, identify developing concerns, and determine the ideal timing for treatment if it’s ever needed.
With multiple doctors reviewing every case, families can feel confident their child’s smile is in experienced hands.
And if your child isn’t ready for braces yet? Welcome to the 7 & Up Club.
What Is the 7 & Up Club?
Our 7 & Up Club is a complimentary orthodontic observation program for children who aren’t quite ready for treatment.
Just like regular dental checkups and pediatric visits, these appointments allow us to monitor your child’s smile as they grow.
Every six months, we’ll evaluate:
- Tooth eruption and development
- Jaw growth
- Bite alignment
- Crowding and spacing concerns
- Overall smile development
If treatment becomes beneficial at some point, we’ll guide you through the next steps. Until then, we’ll simply keep an eye on that growing smile.
Why Join the 7 & Up Club?
For many families, the biggest benefit is peace of mind.
You’ll know your child’s smile is being monitored by an experienced orthodontic team that has helped more than 10,000 patients throughout the Charleston area.
Our doctors can identify potential concerns early, answer your questions, and help ensure treatment begins at the right time, not too early and not too late.
Most importantly, you’ll never have to wonder whether your child’s smile is on track.
A Fun Club for Growing Smiles
The 7 & Up Club isn’t just about monitoring growth. It’s about helping kids feel excited about caring for their smiles.
Club members get special access to:
- Exclusive prizes and rewards
- Smile tips and healthy habit encouragement
- Early orthodontic guidance as they grow
- A fun, welcoming environment designed just for kids
And best of all? Every observation visit is complimentary.
Our goal is to help children feel comfortable, confident, and excited about their smile journey from the very beginning.
When will my child need braces?
Every child develops differently.
Some children benefit from early orthodontic treatment around age 7 or 8. Others may not be ready until their pre-teen years. Some may simply need monitoring for a period of time.
That’s why observation visits are so valuable.
By tracking growth over time, we can recommend treatment when it will be most effective and beneficial for your child.
Why Age 7 Matters
Around age 7, children typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This gives orthodontists an opportunity to evaluate how the smile, jaws, and bite are developing.
An early orthodontic evaluation can help:
- Identify developing bite concerns
- Monitor jaw growth
- Track crowded or erupting teeth
- Determine whether future treatment may be needed
Even if everything looks great, having a baseline evaluation provides valuable information as your child grows.
Schedule Your Child's First Orthodontic Checkup in Charleston
If your child is around age 7, now is the perfect time for their first orthodontic visit.
Our orthodontist team will evaluate their smile, answer your questions, and help determine whether treatment, observation, or simply continued growth is the best next step.