Posted on October 23, 2025
As a parent, you want your child’s smile to grow as healthy and confident as they do. While braces may seem like a concern for the teen years, orthodontic issues often start developing much earlier. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation around age seven.
At Harnick Orthodontics in Albuquerque, NM, Dr. Kari Harnick Graeber and Dr. David Harnick take a thoughtful, preventive approach — helping parents understand when and if treatment is needed and how to set their child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
By age seven, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which makes it the perfect time to assess how the jaws and teeth are growing together. An early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment, but it does allow orthodontists to spot subtle issues that aren’t always visible yet — things like crowding, bite misalignment, or jaw growth problems.
Catching these concerns early can make future treatment faster, simpler, and more effective. In some cases, early intervention can even help avoid extractions or surgery later on.
During your child’s first orthodontic visit, our doctors gently examine their teeth, bite, and facial growth. We may take digital X-rays or photos to get a clearer view of what’s happening below the surface.
Some of the most common early concerns we evaluate include:
Even if no immediate treatment is needed, these visits give us a baseline to monitor growth over time — a “roadmap” for your child’s dental development.
If early treatment is recommended, it’s usually to guide proper jaw growth or make room for permanent teeth to come in correctly. This is often referred to as Phase I orthodontic treatment and may include removable appliances or limited braces.
The goal isn’t just straight teeth — it’s to create a stable, balanced bite that supports long-term oral health. Early care can shorten later treatment time and reduce the need for more complex orthodontics as your child grows.
We understand that every child is different, and so is every smile. At Harnick Orthodontics, we focus on making visits comfortable, informative, and even fun. Whether your child is ready for treatment or just starting their orthodontic journey, we’ll help you understand each step and what to expect next.
If your child is around age seven — or you’ve noticed crowding, misalignment, or changes in their bite — now is the perfect time to schedule an evaluation.
Contact Harnick Orthodontics in Albuquerque to learn how early orthodontic care can make a lasting difference in your child’s smile.
A Special Announcement!
Our orthodontic family is growing! Dr. Kari is excited to welcome a new baby this September and will be taking maternity leave through October.
During this time, treatment will continue as planned under the care of Dr. Harnick, who founded the practice and has helped create the exceptional patient experience you know and trust. Your orthodontic progress will remain on schedule, and our team will be here to support you every step of the way.
Dr. Kari will return in November and can't wait to catch up with everyone and see all the great progress that's been made!
Thank you for celebrating this exciting chapter with us!
