For the second year in a row, the American Association of Orthodontists will celebrate Smiles at 7 Day on July 7. This yearly event is designed to raise awareness about the importance of having an exam by an orthodontic specialist at age 7, a crucial milestone in a child’s life for identifying early orthodontic issues and determining, if needed, when treatment would be most effective.
“Smiles at 7 Day is an easy reminder to the public about the critical role of orthodontic evaluations in a child’s dental health,” said AAO President Dr. Michael G. Durbin. “Seeing an orthodontist by age 7 allows for early detection of bite issues, teeth crowding, 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 7, most children have enough permanent teeth to help an orthodontist spot and treat potential problems early enough to avoid more costly or invasive procedures. Early treatment can guide the facial and jaw bones into a better growth pattern and provide more space for incoming permanent teeth.
July 7 serves as an easy reminder that all children should see an orthodontist by age 7. Orthodontists across the United States will celebrate the day at their practices with in-office events, community outreach, and social media campaigns to raise awareness and build lasting relationships with families.
About the American Association of Orthodontists
The American Association of Orthodontists represents 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide, improving the overall oral healthcare of the public, advocating for the health and safety of the public, and educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist. For more information, visit aaoinfo.org.
