Guidance from Wichita’s Trusted Family Orthodontist

As a parent, your child’s health and happiness are always top of mind, and that includes their smile. But knowing when to visit an orthodontist for kids in Wichita can feel uncertain, especially when your child’s teeth appear “fine.”

At Santucci Orthodontics, we believe early guidance leads to long-term confidence, health, and balance. Whether your child is seven or seventeen, we’re here to support your family with care rooted in precision, warmth, and excellence.

Age 7: The Magic Number for a First Visit

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist around age seven. At this stage, most children have a combination of baby and permanent teeth, making it easier to detect potential bite or jaw issues early.

We offer a free orthodontic consultation in Wichita to evaluate your child’s growth and determine if care is needed now or later.

This early evaluation is also a great opportunity to discuss healthy habits, ask questions, and meet your dentist and orthodontic team.

What Happens During an Early Evaluation?

During your child’s visit, our team examines more than just straightness. We look at:

• Tooth development and spacing
• Bite alignment (underbites, overbites, crossbites)
• Jaw growth and balance
• Signs of mouth breathing or airway concerns
• Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrust habits
• Facial symmetry and lip support

We call this our pediatric orthodontic assessment—and it’s designed to inform your decisions, not pressure you into treatment. Many children won’t need braces right away, but some may benefit from early intervention that prevents more serious issues later on.

How Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Work Together

It’s common for families to ask: “What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and an orthodontist?” While a dentist focuses on cleanings, cavity prevention, and general oral health, an orthodontist specializes in the alignment of teeth and jaws.

We often collaborate with your family dentist to create a care plan that supports total health—from brushing routines to beautiful smile design. If your child already sees a pediatric dentistry provider in Wichita or Derby, we’re happy to work alongside them.

Is Age 8 Too Young for Braces?

Sometimes, early treatment is necessary, especially if your child is experiencing:

• Severe crowding
• Crossbite or underbite
• Impacted teeth
• Airway or breathing concerns

In these cases, Phase 1 orthodontics (such as expanders or partial braces) may be recommended around ages 8 or 9. Starting at this age helps guide jaw development and create space for future adult teeth.

What If My Child is Older Than 7?

If your child is 9, 11, or even a teen, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Our Wichita team has helped countless families begin treatment at various ages, and we’ll create a plan that fits your child’s unique stage of development and lifestyle.

We welcome patients from across Kansas, including Wichita, Derby, and the surrounding areas.

What Makes Santucci the Best Choice for Families?

Santucci Orthodontics is more than a clinic, it’s a place where family care, clinical excellence, and warm hospitality come together.

• We’ve built a reputation for great experiences at every age, from infants receiving airway assessments to adults considering Invisalign.
• Our spaces are calm and curated, so every visit feels comfortable.
• Our team is known for friendly professionalism, and our patients often refer parents, siblings, and friends.
• We blend artistry and structure to design results that feel natural, not overdone.

From your child’s first consult to the day their braces come off, we’ll be there to support the entire journey.

FAQs

Can I bring multiple kids to one visit?

Yes! We love seeing siblings together. It helps us understand shared traits and makes visits easier for parents.

Is this covered by insurance?

Most dental plans include coverage for orthodontic evaluations. We’ll walk you through all your options.

How long does the first visit take?

Plan on about 45–60 minutes for your complimentary evaluation. You’ll leave with clarity and next steps.

Schedule Your Child’s Consultation

Whether you’re just curious or ready to begin treatment, the first step is simple: book a complimentary consultation at either our East or West Wichita office.

Let’s take the guesswork out of your child’s smile journey—and replace it with clarity, comfort, and confidence.