Parent guide · Children aged 6–12
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
Most children should have their first orthodontic check by about age 7, as the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends. Many won’t need treatment yet, but an early look shows whether the jaws and incoming teeth are developing well. At Yonsei Baro near Isu Station, Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, a board-certified orthodontist, does these checks in English.
First orthodontic check at a glance
| Question | At Yonsei Baro |
|---|---|
| Recommended timing | By about age 7 (AAO), or sooner if you notice a problem |
| Does it mean braces? | Usually not; many children are simply monitored as they grow |
| Who examines your child | Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, board-certified orthodontist, in English |
| How long | About 60 minutes for a first orthodontic examination |
| What you receive | A clear explanation and, if treatment is advised, options, timeline and a written estimate |
Why is age 7 the recommended time?
By around age 7, most children have their first permanent molars and some permanent front teeth. That gives an orthodontist enough information to assess how the upper and lower jaws relate, whether there is likely to be enough room for the adult teeth, and whether any habits are affecting the bite.
Some problems are easier to guide while a child is still growing, such as certain crossbites or a narrow upper jaw. Others are better left until more adult teeth have arrived. An early check helps you know which applies to your child. It is a guideline, not a deadline: come sooner if you are concerned, and it is never too late for a first check.
Signs your child should see an orthodontist
Book a check, at any age, if you notice any of the following:
- baby teeth lost much earlier or later than usual, or a long gap with no adult tooth appearing;
- crowded or overlapping teeth , or teeth coming in out of line;
- upper front teeth that stick out noticeably ( protruding front teeth );
- lower front teeth that bite in front of the upper teeth ( underbite );
- back teeth that bite inside the lower teeth, or a jaw that shifts to one side on closing;
- front teeth that don’t meet when the back teeth are together, or upper front teeth that completely cover the lower ones;
- mouth breathing, snoring, or lips that don’t close comfortably at rest;
- a thumb, finger or dummy habit continuing past about age 4 (see thumb sucking and pacifiers );
- difficulty biting or chewing, frequent cheek biting, or a face that looks off-centre.
What happens at the first orthodontic check?
At Yonsei Baro, a first orthodontic examination takes about 60 minutes. Dr. Lee examines your child herself and explains every finding.
- Conversation. Your concerns, your child’s dental and medical history, habits, and plans such as a move abroad.
- Examination. Teeth, bite, jaw movement, lips, breathing and swallowing, and how the teeth relate to the face.
- Records as needed. A digital intraoral scan (no impression putty), photos, and X-rays or a 3D CT scan where needed. A growth-analysis program helps judge the timing of any growth-phase treatment.
- Explanation in English. What Dr. Lee sees, whether treatment is needed now, later or not at all, and, if it is, the options, timeline and a written estimate.
Please bring your child’s passport or Residence Card and any previous X-rays or dental records.
What are the possible outcomes?
All on track
Many children simply need routine dental care and a future orthodontic review.
Monitoring
If something needs watching, such as space for incoming teeth, Dr. Lee will suggest periodic checks while the teeth change.
Early treatment
For some problems, a targeted first phase helps, using habit or functional appliances , growth-guidance appliances, space management or children’s aligners. Early treatment is not right for every child; see early treatment (Phase 1) for its pros and cons.
Who will see my child?
Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee is a board-certified orthodontist (Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare) and Adjunct Professor of Orthodontics at Yonsei University. She previously directed pediatric and adolescent orthodontics at a children’s dental clinic in Cheongdam and is a member of the Korean Academy of Growth Dentistry. She is also a mother; as she puts it, “I’m a mother before I’m an orthodontist.” She speaks fluent English and handles every consultation and explanation personally.
Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Ho-seon Lee, may also spot bite concerns at routine check-ups, and the two specialists work under one roof. For an overview of children’s treatment, see kids’ orthodontics .
Orthodontic check FAQs for parents
Is age 7 too young for braces?
An orthodontic check at 7 is not the same as starting braces. Most children examined at this age don’t need treatment straight away. The aim is to spot problems that are easier to manage during growth, and to plan the right timing. If early treatment would help, Dr. Lee will explain why, and when waiting would be the better choice.
My child's teeth look straight. Do they still need a check?
It can still be worthwhile. Some issues are not obvious from the front, such as how the jaws are growing, a sideways shift when biting, missing or extra teeth, or canines developing in the wrong position. Imaging and an examination can reveal these early, while there are more options for guiding them.
My child is already 10. Have we missed the window?
No. Age 7 is a guideline, not a cut-off, and a first orthodontic check is useful at any age. Many children start treatment between about 9 and 14, when more adult teeth have come in. Book a check whenever you notice a concern, and Dr. Lee will explain what, if anything, is needed now.
Can my child's orthodontic consultation be done in English?
Yes. Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee speaks fluent English and personally handles every consultation and treatment explanation, so you can ask questions directly. She will explain what she sees, the options and the timeline in plain language, and you will receive a written estimate if treatment is recommended.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, DDS, PhD
Board-certified orthodontist (Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare) · Adjunct Professor of Orthodontics, Yonsei University · Last updated October 2026
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Treatment results and duration vary from person to person. Orthodontic treatment can cause temporary discomfort and, in some cases, root shortening, gum recession or tooth decay if oral hygiene is poor; teeth can relapse if retainers are not worn as instructed.
Book your child’s first orthodontic check
Dr. Lee will examine your child herself and explain what she sees in English. Isu Station Exit 2 · Open until 9 PM Mon & Thu · Saturdays 9 AM–2 PM.