Are Any of These Concerns Familiar?
Crowded teeth making brushing harder
Self-conscious about crooked smile
Jaw discomfort or clicking sounds
Avoiding photos or covering their mouth
Bite issues going unaddressed longer
Missing confidence during school years
If any of these sound familiar, a simple evaluation can tell you exactly where things stand and what, if anything, comes next.
What Is an Early Orthodontic Evaluation?
An early orthodontic evaluation is a developmental assessment for children, typically recommended around age seven, when enough permanent teeth have come in to give a clear picture of how the bite and jaw are forming. The goal isn’t to start treatment right away. It’s to catch patterns early when they’re easiest to work with, such as crowding, spacing, bite misalignment (how upper and lower teeth meet when your child bites down), or jaw development concerns.
At Icon Implant and Dental Center, early orthodontic evaluations in Southfield combine a clinical exam with digital imaging to give us an accurate, detailed view of your child’s dental development. Our CBCT 3D imaging (by Kavo) and digital scanner allow us to assess growth patterns with precision and build a clear picture before deciding whether any action is needed now or later.
Recommended starting at age 7 by the American Association of Orthodontists
Many children evaluated early need no immediate treatment
Early detection can reduce the complexity and duration of future care
Common Struggles We Hear From Patients
Be our Next Success Story!
Request an appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation
Catch Problems Early On
Simpler Treatment Ahead
Shorter Overall Treatment Time
Better Long-Term Oral Health
Informed Decisions as Parents
Build Your Child's Confidence
See What's Possible for Your Smile
These aren’t just teeth; they’re life-changing transformations that restore confidence and comfort. Each before-and-after photo represents a patient who trusted us with their smile journey.
Be our Next Success Story!
Request an appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.
Is an Early Evaluation Right for Your Child?
Have teeth that appear crowded, gapped, or coming in crooked
Noticed your child has trouble chewing or biting comfortably
Have been told to watch and wait at previous checkups
Want a clear picture of what orthodontic treatment may look like later
Have a child who breathes through their mouth or has jaw discomfort
Not Sure If It's the Right Time?
What to Expect During Your Child's Evaluation
Check-In and Conversation
Your visit starts with a conversation. We'll ask about any concerns you've noticed, your child's dental history, and what prompted the evaluation. This helps us focus the exam on what matters most to your family and ensures nothing is overlooked from the start.
Digital Exam and Imaging
We use our digital scanner and CBCT 3D imaging (by Kavo) to capture a detailed picture of your child's teeth, jaw, and bite development. There's nothing uncomfortable about the process. Your child sits still for a few moments while we gather the precise information we need, with no guesswork and no repeated exposures.
Review and Recommendations
Once we've reviewed the images and completed the clinical exam, we walk you through exactly what we found. If everything looks on track, we'll tell you that clearly. If we identify something worth addressing, we'll explain what it is, what the options are, and what waiting might mean. You leave with answers, not uncertainty.
Ready to Give Your Child a Head Start?
Flexible Payment Plans for Your Smile
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
Don't Wait to Smile. Check out Our Payment Options.
Early Orthodontic Evaluation FAQs
At what age should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
Does an early evaluation mean my child will need braces right away?
What happens during the evaluation?
How is an early evaluation different from a regular dental checkup?
What signs should I look for that might mean my child needs an evaluation sooner?
Is the imaging safe for my child?
What if we're told my child needs treatment but we want to wait?
Will my child be anxious about the visit?
How long does the evaluation take?
Do both parents need to be present?
Still Have Questions?​
