The American Association of Orthodontists has announced the launch of “Smiles at 7” day. This event will take place annually on 7 Jul and is designed to raise awareness about the importance of seeing an orthodontic specialist at age seven, which is an important milestone in a child’s life to identify early orthodontic issues and determine, if needed, when treatment would be most effective.
“Smiles at 7 Day is an accessible and engaging way to inform the public about the critical role of orthodontic evaluations in a child’s dental health,” said AAO President Dr Steven M Siegel. “Seeing an orthodontist by age seven allows for early detection of bite issues, crowding of teeth, or other developmental concerns, often resulting in less invasive treatments and better long-term outcomes.”
Parents may not know when to bring their child to an orthodontist for a consultation. By age seven, most children have enough permanent teeth to help an orthodontist spot and treat potential problems early enough to avoid more costly or more invasive procedures. Early treatment can guide facial and jaw bones into a better growth pattern and provide more space for incoming permanent teeth.
7 Jul serves as an easy reminder that all children should see an orthodontist by age seven. Orthodontists across the US will celebrate the day at their practices with in-office events, community outreach, and social media campaigns aimed at raising awareness and building lasting relationships with families.
