Erie parents ask this all the time: When should my child see an orthodontist?
Some assume it’s a teenage milestone. Others worry they’ve already waited too long.
We wondered too, so we went straight to the source, Drs. Murray and Iszkula of Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics. We asked them: So when should a child see an orthodontist? The recommended age is 7 — earlier than most parents expect.
Drs. Murray and Iszkula have been caring for Erie-area kids and families for years, and they hear these questions every single day. Here's what they want Erie parents to know about the right age for a child's first orthodontist visit.
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This article is sponsored by Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics.
When Should Kids See an Orthodontist?
The answer that surprises most parents: Age 7
Most of us assume orthodontics is a teenager thing. But the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, and Drs. Murray and Iszkula say this timeline matters more than most parents realize.
By age 7, kids typically have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth coming in. That combination gives an orthodontist a clear picture of how the jaw is developing and whether any issues are starting to form — crowding, bite problems, or teeth not coming in where they should.
Here’s what they want Erie parents to hear: an early visit does not mean your child is getting braces. Most of the time, it's just a check-in. The doctor takes a look, tells you what they see, and either gives you the all-clear or monitors things as your child grows. Simple as that.
➡️ Schedule a FREE orthodontic consultation in Erie at Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics
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Real results for Erie kids. Patients from Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics.
My Child Is 6. Is That Too Young?
Not at all. Murray & Iszkula actually has a program built specifically for kids ages 6–12 who aren't ready for treatment yet: the 747 Kids Club.
The name comes from 7 reasons to bring kids in at age 7 (or younger if parents have questions). While enrolled, Drs. Murray and Iszkula monitor your child's growth over time, watching for things like:
- Crowded teeth that need room to grow
- Jaw alignment issues
- Habits like thumb-sucking that can shift tooth position
- Missing or extra teeth
- Problems with how permanent teeth are coming in
The value here isn't just catching problems early. It's building a relationship with a doctor who knows your child's mouth and can act at exactly the right time. And sometimes, early orthodontic monitoring means avoiding more involved treatment down the road altogether.
What are Signs My Child May Need an Orthodontist Sooner?
Even if your child isn't 7 yet, certain things are worth getting checked sooner rather than later. For families in Erie, these are some of the most common signs a child may need an orthodontist:
- Teeth that look crowded, crooked, or overlapping
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking past age 5
- A jaw that shifts, pops, or seems off-center
- Baby teeth falling out much earlier or later than expected
Trust your gut. If something seems off, it’s always okay to ask.
➡️ Contact Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics in Erie with your questions and for a free consultation — no referral needed
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Dr. Iszkula at work in the Erie office of Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics.
Do We Need a Referral From Our Dentist?
Nope. You can reach out to Murray & Iszkula directly, and they’ll keep your dentist in the loop on whatever they find. No extra steps, no waiting for a referral to come through.
What About Insurance and Cost?
Most dental insurance plans include some level of orthodontic coverage, so it’s worth a call to your provider to find out what your plan covers before your first visit. And if insurance doesn't cover everything, or you don't have orthodontic benefits, that doesn't have to be a dealbreaker. Some orthodontists, including Murray & Iszkula, offers flexible, interest-free payment plans to help make treatment work for your family’s budget.
Does my child have to have traditional braces?
Not necessarily! When a child is ready for treatment, Murray & Iszkula offers three options: Traditional braces, clear braces, and clear aligners. During a consultation, the doctors walk families through what makes the most sense for their child’s specific needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to kids' braces or early orthodontic treatment. And for kids who do start treatment with Murray & Iszkula, there’s a rewards program where patients earn points throughout the process, redeemable for gift cards to Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and more. Small thing, big motivator.
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The bottom line about orthodontic treatment, according to Drs. Murray and Iszkula: don’t wait until something looks obviously wrong, and don’t assume you need to wait until the teen years. An early conversation costs nothing and tells you everything you need to know about where your child stands.
Book a free, no-obligation orthodontic consultation in Erie with Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics →
