Ages 7 & up

Small smiles, big futures

The AAO recommends a first orthodontic visit by age 7. Rising Star gives your child free growth checkups until the right time to start — if treatment is needed at all.

  • Ages 7 and up
  • Free growth checkups
  • Kid-friendly clinics
Smiling girl with a gap-toothed smile

Why age 7?

By age 7, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. That gives an orthodontist a clear view of how the jaws are growing and whether there’s enough room for adult teeth.

Most Rising Star kids simply come back for quick, fun checkups. When early (Phase 1) treatment is recommended, it’s usually short and can make later treatment simpler — or unnecessary.

  • Best forChildren ages 7–11
  • CheckupsEvery 6–12 months
  • CostFree while monitoring
  • GuidelineAmerican Association of Orthodontists

What we look for

Growth & room

Is there enough space for adult teeth to come in?

  • Crowding or spacing
  • Baby teeth lost too early or late
  • Impacted or missing teeth

Bite & jaw

Are the jaws growing in balance?

  • Crossbites and underbites
  • Protruding front teeth
  • Habits like thumb sucking

Why parents choose Rising Star

No-cost monitoring

Growth checkups are free until treatment begins.

Kid-friendly

Gentle exams, prizes and a team that loves kids.

Right timing

Start treatment when it’s most effective.

Family scheduling

Book siblings together, after school or on Saturdays.

How it works

Your path to a new smile

  1. 1

    First visit

    A gentle exam and X-rays — no needles, no drills.

  2. 2

    Growth plan

    We explain what we see and what to watch for.

  3. 3

    Checkups

    Free visits every 6–12 months as your child grows.

  4. 4

    Treat when ready

    Begin treatment only if and when it’s needed.

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need braces at age 7?

Usually not. Most children just need monitoring. We only recommend early treatment when it will clearly help.

Is the Rising Star program really free?

Yes. The initial visit and growth checkups are free. If treatment is recommended, we’ll review pricing and insurance with you first.

My child’s teeth look straight — should we still come?

Yes. Many issues — like jaw growth or crowding hidden under the gums — aren’t visible without an exam and X-rays.

See all FAQs

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See your new smile before you start

Your free consultation includes an exam with a licensed orthodontist, digital X-rays and a 3D scan — plus clear pricing and insurance answers.

Orthodontist showing a 3D scan to a patient and parent
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