Smile Journal — Orthodontic Tips & Guides

Smiling girl with braces giving a thumbs up in the orthodontic chair

When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?

Age 7 is the magic number. Here’s what an early checkup looks for — and why it rarely means braces right away.

Dr. Elena Ramirez, DDS, MSOrthivaro orthodontist

Recent Articles

Treatments Aug 27, 2026 · 6 min read

Braces vs. Invisalign®: Which Is Right for You?

Both deliver beautiful results. The best choice depends on your bite, your lifestyle and how you like to live day to day.

Aftercare Jul 30, 2026 · 4 min read

How to Care for Your Retainer (and Why It Matters)

Your teeth have memory. A few simple habits keep your new smile exactly where it belongs — for life.

Life with braces Jul 8, 2026 · 4 min read

Eating with Braces: 7 Tips from Our Orthodontists

Pizza night is still on. Here’s how to enjoy your favorite foods while keeping brackets and wires safe.

Ask the orthodontist

Have a Question We Haven’t Covered Yet?

Send it our way. Our doctors pick reader questions for upcoming Smile Journal articles — and your local care team is always happy to answer questions about your own smile at a free consultation.

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Smiling Orthivaro orthodontist in navy scrubs at the clinic

Straight Talk from Our Orthodontists