Ascend Orthodontics Proudly Supports the AAO’s Smiles at 7 Day on July 7, 2025

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has launched the first-ever Smiles at 7 national campaign, and Ascend Orthodontics is proud to support this important initiative to educate families about the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation.

Smiles at 7 Day is on Monday, July 7, and is designed to raise awareness and spark conversation among parents and caregivers. It encourages families to schedule their child’s first orthodontic check-up by age 7. Even if your child’s smile appears perfectly healthy, an orthodontist can detect developing issues that may be easier to correct earlier in life.

Why the Age of 7 Matters

Around age 7, children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, making it an ideal time to identify potential concerns with jaw growth, tooth alignment, and bite development. Early evaluation doesn't necessarily mean early treatment. It means taking a proactive, informed approach so you can plan for your child’s healthiest smile.

To learn more, check out our post: Smile Smart: The Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontist by Age 7

7 Reasons to See an Orthodontist at Age 7

1. Detect Bite Problems Early
Issues like underbites, crossbites, and open bites are often easier to correct when caught at a younger age.

2. Guide Jaw Growth
An orthodontist can evaluate jaw development and intervene when appropriate to encourage more balanced, functional alignment.

3. Spot Crowding or Spacing Issues
Even if permanent teeth haven’t all erupted, early spacing evaluations can help prevent more complex problems later.

4. Prevent Future Complications
When issues are addressed early, it can reduce the need for extractions, surgery, or more invasive treatments later in life.

5. Address Harmful Habits
Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or chronic mouth breathing can impact a child’s bite. Early support can help correct these habits.

6. Build Confidence
Creating a positive, low-stress orthodontic experience early on helps children feel more confident in their care journey.

7. Establish a Trusted Provider Relationship
Early visits allow parents and kids to connect with a local orthodontist, ask questions, and get answers without pressure or commitment.

Meet Ascend Orthodontics: Northern Colorado’s Family-Focused Orthodontic Team

At Ascend Orthodontics, we believe early evaluation is the first step toward a confident, lifelong smile. By establishing a relationship with our patients at an early age, we are able to track the teeth’s development over time and provide expert guidance when the timing is right for treatment. There’s no rush to begin treatment early, instead, we focus on personalized care and family support.

Whether you’re in Loveland, Fort Collins, Louisville, or anywhere in-between,  our doctor-owned practice is here to offer high-quality, relationship-centered care for every age and stage.

Join the Smiles at 7 Movement

If your child is turning 7, or your kids are older and have not yet met with an orthodontist, now is the perfect time to schedule their first orthodontic check-up. In support of this national initiative, Ascend Orthodontics offers free new patient evaluations to help families across the Front Range learn about their orthodontic options and get to know our staff..

Book your free consultation today and discover how we support healthy, happy smiles.

Additional Resources:

• Smiles at 7 – American Association of Orthodontists
  
  
• Smile Smart: The Benefits of Seeing an Orthodontist by Age 7

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