Why Age 7 Is the Right Time to Think About Braces

Dr. Foltz and the American Association of Orthodontists agree on why age 7 is the right time to think about braces. Let us put your child on the right path.

By Brandon Foltz, DDS, MS · Jun 08, 2026 · 9 min read

Early Orthodontic Care

How early orthodontic care gets the ball rolling and makes everything easier.

By the age of seven, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and examining them can give an orthodontist a wealth of information. If a problem exists or if one is developing, we can course correct your child's smile, setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

Here's why age seven is the right time to think about braces and why families across Nashville choose Avenue South Orthodontics.

Why It Matters

The Importance of Age 7

Identifying Concerns

A child's adult teeth start to come in at age seven, and as they erupt, they can show jaw development. At this time, we can identify concerns like an overbite, underbite, crossbite, and even breathing issues.

Making Adjustments

At age seven, a child's jawbone is soft and pliable, making it a prime time to open spaces with braces. At this age their teeth and bone will respond, and it's easier to make adjustments that can prevent problems in their teenage years.

Simplifying Care

The sooner you get your child started on braces, the simpler their care can become. Early intervention can prevent the need for tooth extractions later on. It can also help your child take better care of their teeth, preventing concerns like cavities and gum disease.

Getting Familiar

Starting your child on braces early can allow them to become comfortable in medical settings. They can feel good about their orthodontist, dentist, and other medical professionals at a young age, which helps them feel comfortable getting the care they need in the future.

What to Watch For

Signs Your Child Might Need Orthodontics

To determine if your child needs to see an orthodontist, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

✓Early or late loss of baby teeth

✓Difficulty chewing or biting

✓Mouth breathing

✓Cheek biting

✓Clicking or shifting jaws

✓Facial imbalance

If you notice any of these concerns, come visit us at Avenue South Orthodontics in Nashville for a complimentary exam.

Orthodontics and Sleep Quality

Beyond Your Child's Teeth

If you were surprised to see mouth breathing listed as a sign of a need for orthodontics, you're not alone. The truth is that narrow arches, crowding, or a small jaw can restrict airflow, and mouth breathing is a common indicator. These issues can cause poor sleep marked by snoring, difficulty concentrating, and daytime fatigue. By gently widening the palate and guiding jaw growth while bones are still developing, orthodontics can open nasal passages and increase airway space, which can dramatically improve your child's quality of sleep. During a consultation, I can determine if orthodontics can help your child experience easier nasal breathing, better sleep, and healthier development as they grow.

Patient Spotlight

Meet Hank

Hank's parents brought him to our Nashville office to get started on orthodontics early. Phase One of his treatment included braces and an expander to correct his jaw width and crowding. As his adult teeth continue to emerge, he will enter Phase Two of his treatment.

View Hank's Full Case

Investment

Braces Start at $3,200

Our team will provide a custom quote and expected timeline for your child's treatment during their complimentary consultation. In general, the typical price range for a child with a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth is $3,200–$4,500. The projected timeline is typically 12–18 months. To compare, treating someone who has all of their adult teeth can cost $6,200–$8,500.

Phase One

Mixed baby & adult teeth

$3,200–$4,500

Typically 12–18 months

All Adult Teeth

Teens & adults

$6,200–$8,500

Timeline varies by case

Of course, complying with treatment can keep your child on schedule and help them finish treatment as quickly as possible. Make sure your child is taking care of their braces as directed, and that they attend all of their appointments so we can tighten their braces and adjust their treatment plan as needed. Many children will need two phases of treatment, but we can discuss this at your child's initial consultation.

An Alternative Option

Considering Invisalign?

While most children are better candidates for braces because there's less room for error, some children can be candidates for Invisalign® clear aligners if they're compliant. Clear aligners can be removed for eating and oral hygiene, but children must remember to put them back into place and wear them for 20-22 hours each day.

Failure to comply will add time to your child's treatment plan. But if you feel your child is responsible and can remember to wear their aligners, this could be another good option.

Brace-Friendly Eating

Clear aligners are removed for meals and any other drinks other than water, so they have no food restrictions. If your child receives braces, there are some foods they should avoid eating to prevent dislodging brackets, bending wires, or trapping food debris.

Avoid These

Gum Caramel Taffy Peanut butter Dried fruit Hard candies Popcorn Hard pretzels Nuts Beef jerky Tough breads Tortilla chips and hard taco shells Ice

Tips for Trickier Foods

Your child can continue to eat raw fruits and vegetables and tougher foods like meat, but they may have to alter how they eat them. Consider cutting these foods into small, bite-sized pieces so your child doesn't have to tear at them with their front teeth.

For example, cut whole apples into slices and shave corn off the cob before eating.

Get Started

Come Meet Us

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist for an exam at age seven to ensure everything is developing properly. At Avenue South Orthodontics, these exams are complimentary, and you don't need a referral from your general dentist to come in.

If you're ready to put your child on the path to a straighter, healthier smile, request a consultation with us today.