Explained by Orthodontic Specialist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa

As your child grows, the first question regarding their teeth is usually: "When should the first orthodontic examination be done?"

Many families wait for later periods for braces, such as "high school age," "all baby teeth have fallen out," or "when the teeth are really crooked." However, a first orthodontic examination done at the right time can both shorten the treatment duration and prevent larger problems from emerging in the future.

In this article, based on the clinical approach of Orthodontic Specialist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa, we will answer all questions, such as: "When should the first orthodontic examination be done, why is it so important, and where should I go in Bursa?" in detail and with an SEO-focused language.

1. When Should the First Orthodontic Examination Be Done?

The globally accepted approach is:

The first orthodontic examination should be done around age 7.

The reason for this is:

1. Around age 7:
2. The permanent front incisor teeth start to erupt in most children.
3. The first large molar teeth erupt (the 6-year molars).
4. Since both baby teeth and permanent teeth are present in the mouth, jaw development and teeth placement can be analyzed very clearly.

Orthodontic Specialist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa generally recommends the following to families:

"Bring your child for an orthodontic examination at least once when they turn 7. Don't assume treatment must start immediately; sometimes, just 'staying under observation' is enough."

Thus, the goal of the first orthodontic examination is not to put on braces immediately, but to monitor the child's growth and dental development in a timely manner.

2. Why Age 7? Can't It Be Earlier or Later?

2.1. Why not earlier?

Of course, children can be brought for an orthodontic examination at ages 4–5 as well. Earlier orthodontic assessment may be necessary, especially in cases of:

1. Thumb sucking
2. Prolonged pacifier/bottle use
3. Mouth breathing
4. Obvious jaw shifts
5. Loss/damage to teeth after trauma

However, as a general principle:

1. Before age 7, since the permanent teeth are not yet fully visible, it is harder to establish a "long-term plan" regarding jaw and tooth development.

Therefore, like international guidelines and orthodontists in Bursa, Dr. Begüm Ulaşan considers age 7 as the ideal starting point for a general screening.

2.2. Why shouldn't it be later?

The most common mistake families make is: "The child is small, the teeth will change a lot anyway, let's wait..."

This waiting period sometimes extends unnecessarily, and:

1. If there is a jaw constriction, the window for bone development might be missed.
2. Habits like thumb sucking / mouth breathing can lead to permanent skeletal disorders.
3. When teeth are severely crowded, treatment can become longer and more difficult.

Therefore, having the first orthodontic examination around age 7–8 is critical for early diagnosis and early guidance when necessary.

3. How Does the First Orthodontic Examination Proceed in Bursa? (Dr. Begüm Ulaşan's Approach)

If you live in Bursa and take your child to Orthodontic Specialist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan, the first examination process generally goes as follows:

3.1. Detailed History and Habit Inquiry

First, detailed information is obtained from you and your child:

1. Is there a history of thumb sucking?
2. Was a pacifier or bottle used for a long time?
3. Is there snoring, mouth breathing while sleeping, or nasal congestion?
4. Were baby teeth extracted too early or did they fall out late?
5. Has teeth grinding/clenching been noticed?

This information provides important clues about the child's jaw development and potential bite problems.

3.2. Clinical Examination

Dr. Begüm Ulaşan:

1. Evaluates the child's face from the front and the side.
2. Examines the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
3. Inspects the biting pattern of the teeth (are the upper teeth too far forward, is the lower jaw retruded, is there a crossbite, etc.).
4. Checks the placement of baby and permanent teeth in the mouth.

3.3. X-rays and Analyses if Necessary

If required:

1. Panoramic film (general image of all teeth and bone structure in the mouth).
2. Cephalometric film (profile X-ray) if necessary, is taken and the child's jaw development is analyzed in more detail.

3.4. Result: Treatment or Follow-up?

At the end of the examination, Dr. Begüm Ulaşan may make one of three different decisions:

1. Treatment is not necessary for now; only regular follow-up is sufficient.
2. The advice is to "recheck in 6 months–1 year." This is one of the most common scenarios.
3. We need to stop certain habits.
4. If habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing are suspected, collaboration with a pediatric dentist, ENT specialist, or speech-language pathologist may be planned if necessary.
5. Early intervention (early orthodontic treatment) is required.
6. In cases of jaw constriction, severe crossbite, or severely retruded/protruded lower jaw, it may be necessary to guide jaw development with appliances, utilizing the child's growth potential.

4. Advantages of Early First Orthodontic Examination

4.1. Timely Detection of Jaw Constriction

A narrow upper jaw in children can:

1. Lead to crowded teeth.
2. Cause the lower teeth to project outside the upper teeth in some areas (crossbite).
3. Contribute to mouth breathing and snoring.

Around age 7–9, the jaw bones are still very flexible for growth and expansion. In younger age groups where upper jaw constriction is detected, Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa aims to:

1. Create space for the teeth.
2. Facilitate future braces treatment.
3. Improve the child's breathing and chewing function by expanding the jaw with special appliances.

This window of opportunity largely closes by ages 15–16. That's why the answer to the question "When should the first orthodontic examination be done?" is "before it's too late."

4.2. Early Interruption of Bad Habits

Habits such as:

1. Thumb sucking
2. Prolonged pacifier/bottle use
3. Tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue between the teeth when swallowing)
4. Constant mouth breathing

can lead to:

1. Protrusion of the upper teeth.
2. Open bite (a gap remaining between the teeth when biting).
3. Jaw constriction and negative changes in facial development.

In the first orthodontic examination:

1. These habits can be detected.
2. Habit-breaking appliances may be planned if necessary.
3. Collaboration with other specialists (ENT, pediatric dentist, etc.) may be planned if necessary.

4.3. Accurate Planning of Tooth Extractions

In some children:

1. Baby teeth are lost too early.
2. Permanent teeth start to drift sideways, closing the gaps.
3. There is no space left for future teeth.

Thanks to the first orthodontic examination, it can be more clearly planned:

1. Which baby tooth needs to be preserved.
2. In which situation a space maintainer will be needed.
3. Whether tooth extraction will be required in the future.

This prevents unnecessary extractions and ensures a more balanced treatment process later on.

5. "My Child is Older Than 7, Is It Too Late Now?"

This is also a frequently asked question to Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa: "Doctor, we couldn't bring our child at 7; they are now 11–12 years old. Is it too late?"

No.

There is no such thing as "completely too late" for orthodontic treatment.

1. Ages 10–12 are a period when most permanent teeth have started to erupt, and children are very suitable for braces and clear aligner treatment.

At these ages:

1. Both traditional braces treatment and clear aligner (Aligner) treatment can be planned if the case is suitable.

The important thing is:

1. To not delay any further.
2. To plan an orthodontic examination in Bursa to clarify the child's situation.

So, consider age 7 as the "ideal" age for the first check-up; but ages 8, 10, and 12 are still very suitable starting ages.

6. When Should You Consult Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa?

If one of the following situations is present, it may be appropriate to bring the orthodontic examination forward, regardless of age:

1. Your child's front teeth are very far forward, or the lower teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth.
2. The jaw appears to be shifted to one side.
3. The teeth do not touch at all when closing in the front (open bite).
4. The child sleeps with their mouth open constantly or snores.
5. Thumb sucking habit still continues at ages 4–5.
6. Baby teeth were pulled too early, and the spaces seem to be closing.
7. The teeth are visibly crowded and overlapping.
8. There are very obvious gaps between the front teeth that bother you.

These signs may indicate situations that require a closer evaluation by Orthodontic Specialist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan.

7. Frequently Asked Questions About the First Orthodontic Examination

8. Conclusion: The Best Time for the First Orthodontic Examination is "While There is Still Time"

Let's return to the question at the beginning of this article: "When should the first orthodontic examination be done?"

The short and clear answer:

1. For the general child population: Around age 7.
2. For children with risk factors or significant complaints: Even earlier.

Orthodontic Specialist Dr. Begüm Ulaşan in Bursa always tells families:

"There is no point in delaying the first orthodontic examination. Early examination does not always mean early treatment, but it gives you the opportunity to solve major problems you might face later with small interventions."

If:

1. Your child is approaching age 7–8,
2. You feel "something doesn't seem right" with their teeth or jaw,
3. You are already asking yourself, "When should I go?"

then the right time for an orthodontic examination in Bursa has arrived.

Instead of procrastinating, you can put your mind at ease by scheduling an appointment and having your child's dental and jaw development evaluated through the eyes of an expert orthodontist.

Remember: Timing in orthodontics is often as important as the treatment itself.

The first orthodontic examination, done at the right age with the right doctor, becomes your strongest companion in ensuring both your child's smile and jaw health for the future.