July 7 is Smiles at 7 Day, a national reminder from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) that age seven is the perfect time for a child’s first orthodontic check-up. At McDonough Orthodontics, we educate parents about early orthodontic care that builds the foundation for a beautiful, healthy smile—starting with our complimentary OWLS Program.
Why Age 7 Is the Smart Time to Start
Around age seven, children typically begin transitioning from baby to adult teeth, making it an excellent time to assess the development of their smile. Even if their teeth look straight, underlying issues with their bite, spacing, or jaw growth may not be visible to the untrained eye. Early orthodontic care helps us detect these problems before they become more complex, allowing for simpler and more effective treatment.
Meet the OWLS Program: Early Orthodontic Guidance with a Smile
Our Orthodontic Wellness Program (OWLS) is a free program for children ages 7 to 12. It provides consistent monitoring and expert advice as your child’s teeth and jaws grow and change. Think of it as a head start on a confident, radiant smile.
Through the OWLS Program, your child receives:
- Complimentary check-ups to monitor jaw and tooth development
- Digital imaging and progress comparisons over time
- Early detection of potential issues before treatment is needed
- A fun and stress-free introduction to orthodontic care
And yes, it is completely free!
What Early Evaluations Can Uncover
Certain orthodontic problems are best managed while a child is still growing. These include:
- Crowding or spacing
- Missing or extra teeth
- Thumb or finger-sucking habits
- Crossbites or jaw misalignment
- Impacted or poorly erupting teeth
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
Catching these concerns early can help reduce the need for complex treatment later—and may even help guide the face into a more balanced and natural appearance.
Why Early Orthodontic Care If Your Child Already Has a Dentist?
Your child’s dentist checks for cavities and ensures their teeth are healthy. But an orthodontist looks at how everything is coming together, how teeth align, how the jaws are growing, and how your child’s bite is developing. Both professionals play key roles in your child’s oral health, but only an orthodontist specializes in growth-related concerns.
Smiles Take Flight with the OWLS Program
Children in our OWLS Program get to know our friendly team and feel at home long before any treatment begins. Parents gain peace of mind knowing we are monitoring their child’s growth and that we will catch the perfect time to start if their child needs braces. The result? Shorter treatment, lower costs, and happier smiles.
Make July 7 the Day You Give Your Child a Head Start
Celebrate Smiles at 7 Day by scheduling your child’s complimentary evaluation with McDonough Orthodontics. Join the OWLS Program and let us help your child’s smile grow strong, confident, and bright—just like them.
Call today to schedule your visit—because the best smiles start early.