Early assessments help guide healthy growth and prevent bigger problems later

Table of Contents

Introduction

Meet the Doctors

What Is the 747 Club

The AAO and ADA Recommendation on Age 7

7 Reasons for an Orthodontic Evaluation by Age 7

What Happens at a 747 Club Consultation

Signs Your Child May Need an Early Check

Early Monitoring vs Early Treatment

Braces for Kids and Early Braces Timing

Braces Colors for Kids: Confidence Counts

Pro Tips for Parents

Top Picks: Biggest Benefits of the 747 Club

Patient Spotlight

Why Choose Ortho South

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Most parents do not wake up thinking, "It’s time for braces." They are simply trying to make good decisions for their child. You might notice crowding, a misaligned bite, or adult teeth coming in at odd angles. Or you might have no concerns at all, but you keep hearing the same question from your dentist or friends: "Have you had them checked by an orthodontist yet?"

At Ortho South, we created a simple answer to all that uncertainty: the 747 Club.

The 747 Club is our way of helping families get clarity early, without pressure and without guesswork. It is not a promise that your child will need early braces. It is a plan to check growth, guide development, and catch issues while they are easier to manage.

We are Ortho South, led by Dr. Brandon Boggan and Dr. Zehra Syed, serving families in Pelham and Calera, Alabama. We offer braces, Invisalign®, and Shift Aligners™, and we are proud to be known as Alabama’s Most Experienced Aligner Provider. With a 5-star Google rating and 705+ reviews, our goal is to make orthodontic care feel clear, supportive, and confidence-building from day one.

If you are wondering whether your child needs braces, early braces, or simply an early check, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

The best orthodontic visits are the ones that give you peace of mind and a clear timeline, whether treatment starts now or later.

Meet the Doctors

Early orthodontic visits should feel calm and positive for kids and parents. That is exactly how we approach the 747 Club.

Dr. Brandon Boggan is known for helping families see the big picture. He explains what is happening with jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite development in plain language, then lays out a smart plan for timing. Parents appreciate how clear and confident they feel leaving the visit, especially when deciding whether to monitor or treat.

Dr. Zehra Syed brings a thoughtful, encouraging approach that kids respond to immediately. She helps children feel comfortable and proud of taking care of their smiles, and she helps parents understand options without feeling overwhelmed. Her attention to detail and patient-first style makes early orthodontic care feel simple and supportive.

Together, our doctors focus on what matters most: a healthy foundation, the right timing, and a confident smile your child can grow into.

What Is the 747 Club

The 747 Club is an Ortho South initiative for children ages 7 and up, created with a mission of helping kids achieve a smile they will love.

It is built around one core idea: age 7 is an ideal time to evaluate growth and development, not because every child needs treatment, but because this is when we can see the most and plan the smartest.

When families join the 747 Club, they receive membership-style perks designed to make the experience fun and memorable, while keeping the focus on what matters: early guidance and long-term smile health.

The AAO and ADA Recommendation on Age 7

At Ortho South, we align with recommendations from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the American Dental Association (ADA) that children should receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.

Why age 7? It is often the perfect window of time when your child has a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. That mix gives us valuable information about:

• How the jaws are growing
• How the bite is developing
• Whether there is enough room for adult teeth
• Whether eruption is tracking normally

This is not about starting braces early for everyone. It is about catching problems early enough to prevent bigger problems later.

7 Reasons for an Orthodontic Evaluation by Age 7

Our 747 Club page lays out seven clear reasons an early orthodontic evaluation matters. Let’s break them down in a way that makes sense for real families.

1. Monitor Growth and Development

Growth is a gift. At age 7, we can begin tracking how your child’s jaws are developing and whether anything looks like it could trend off course.

2. Address Any Harmful Habits

Certain habits can impact jaw growth and bite development. An early evaluation helps us spot what may be influencing the smile and guide you on the next steps.

3. Recognize Missing or Extra Teeth

Sometimes the reason teeth look crowded or delayed is that teeth are missing, extra teeth are present, or eruption is not following the usual pattern. Catching that early can make treatment planning much easier.

4. Evaluate Jaw Growth

Jaw growth patterns influence bite, facial balance, and long-term function. Early evaluation gives us the chance to guide growth when it matters most.

5. Observe Tooth Eruption

We look closely at how adult teeth are erupting and whether there is enough space. If space is limited, we can plan ahead rather than wait for a problem to become urgent.

6. Identify the Need for Early Treatment

Some issues are best corrected early, while growth is still active. The goal is not more treatment, it is the right treatment at the right time.

7. Give Your Child a Confident Smile

This is the human part of orthodontics. When a child feels good about their smile, it shows up everywhere: in photos, in friendships, in school confidence, and in self-esteem.

Pro tip: Even if your child does not need early braces, a great early evaluation can save you from “surprises” later.

What Happens at a 747 Club Consultation

Parents often worry that an early orthodontic visit will feel like a sales pitch. That is not our approach.

A 747 Club consultation is about clarity and planning.

Here is what you can expect:

• We evaluate alignment, spacing, and bite relationships
• We assess jaw growth patterns and eruption progress
• We explain what we see in simple terms
• We tell you one of three answers:
• “You are good, no concerns”
• “Let’s monitor and check again later”
• “Early treatment would help, here is why and what it looks like”

We also make the experience fun for kids. Our 747 Club membership includes:

• a free consultation
• a 747 Club membership certificate
• an Ortho South T-shirt
• a spin on our Prize Wheel

That blend of clarity plus fun is intentional. Kids should feel proud that they are taking care of their smile.

Signs Your Child May Need an Early Check

Even if your child “looks fine,” it can still be worth checking at age 7. But there are also some common signs that should move an evaluation higher on your list:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Crowded teeth or teeth coming in “behind” other teeth
• Crossbite (top teeth biting inside bottom teeth)
• Underbite tendency (lower jaw appears forward)
• Excessive overbite or front teeth that stick out
• Difficulty biting, chewing, or closing comfortably
• Mouth breathing or chronic open-mouth posture
• Thumb sucking or extended pacifier use
• Speech concerns linked to tongue posture or bite

If you have noticed any of these, the best move is simple: schedule the evaluation and get answers.

Early Monitoring vs Early Treatment

One of the biggest myths about age 7 orthodontic visits is that they automatically lead to early braces. In reality, many kids benefit most from monitoring.

Early monitoring means:

• We track eruption and growth
• We watch crowding patterns
• We time treatment for the most efficient window
• We reduce the risk of unnecessary treatment

Early treatment means:

• We see a specific issue that is best addressed now
• We use growth to our advantage
• We reduce complexity later
• We protect function, space, or bite stability

A simple way to think about it:

• Monitoring is planning
• Treatment is targeted action

Either one can be the “right” next step, depending on your child.

Braces for Kids and Early Braces Timing

When families search “braces for kids” or “braces in Calera,” they usually want the same thing: a clear timeline.

Here is the truth: early braces are sometimes recommended, but not for every child.

Early braces may make sense when we need to:

• Create space for erupting adult teeth
• Correct a crossbite that affects jaw growth
• Reduce risk to protruding front teeth
• Guide development that could otherwise worsen

If early treatment is recommended, it is typically focused and goal-driven, not endless. We target the problem early, then transition into monitoring until the right time for comprehensive finishing, if needed.

Braces Colors for Kids: Confidence Counts

If your child does start braces, we do not ignore the emotional side. Confidence matters, especially for kids.

Braces colors can help children:

• feel excited instead of nervous
• feel ownership of the process
• celebrate progress at each visit

Some kid-favorite braces colors:

• bright blue
• teal
• purple
• red
• seasonal themes (holidays, school spirit, game day)

Pro tip for parents: letting your child choose colors can boost motivation and brushing habits. When kids feel involved, they usually show up stronger.

Pro Tips for Parents

Pro tip 1: Think of age 7 as a growth check, not a braces decision

This is the best time to get answers and set up a plan. 

Pro tip 2: Ask for the “timing plan”

A great early visit ends with clarity: monitor or treat, plus why, plus when.

Pro tip 3: Build healthy habits now

Strong brushing, good hydration, and consistent dental visits make orthodontic treatment easier if it becomes needed.

Pro tip 4: Do not panic about every crooked tooth

Mixed dentition (baby teeth plus adult teeth) often looks messy. That is exactly why we check early.

Pro tip 5: If something feels off, trust your instincts

If you feel unsure about growth, bite, or eruption, get the evaluation. Peace of mind is worth it.

Social challenge: Try a 7-day “Smile Strong” week at home. Morning and night brushing, water after snacks, and one crunchy fruit or veggie a day. Small habits support big results.

Top Picks: Biggest Benefits of the 747 Club

Here are the biggest wins we see for families who join the 747 Club:

1. Clarity on what is normal vs what needs attention
2. A plan for timing (even if treatment is years away)
3. Early detection of crowding, eruption concerns, or bite issues
4. The chance to guide growth while it is still active
5. A confidence boost for kids who feel proud taking care of their smile

Patient Spotlight

We see this story often: a parent comes in thinking the visit will confirm “everything is fine.” Sometimes it is. And that is a huge win.

Other times, we spot a quiet problem early, such as a developing crossbite, a space issue, or a growth pattern that could lead to a larger correction later. The parent usually says something like, “I’m so glad we came in now.”

That is the heart of the 747 Club. It is not about rushing into braces. It is about preventing stress later and giving your child a healthier, more confident path forward.

Why Choose Ortho South

At Ortho South, we believe orthodontic care should feel clear, supportive, and personal.

Families choose us because we offer:

• Expert care led by Dr. Brandon Boggan and Dr. Zehra Syed
• Braces, Invisalign, and Shift Aligners built around real life
• Two convenient locations in Pelham and Calera
• Free New Patient consultations for you and the whole family 
• A reputation built on trust with a 5-star rating and 705+ reviews
• A team that explains growth, timing, and options in simple terms
• A focus on stable, healthy results that last

Learn more about early evaluations and our approach to braces and aligners at orthosouth.com, then schedule your child’s visit when you are ready.

Conclusion

The best time to get answers is before things feel complicated. The 747 Club exists to help families replace uncertainty with clarity. When we see kids around age 7, we can monitor growth, evaluate jaw development, observe the eruption of adult teeth, and determine whether early treatment could prevent more serious problems later. And just as important, we can give you a plan that fits your child, your schedule, and your peace of mind.

If you are ready to take the next step for your child’s smile, we would love to meet you at Ortho South Calera or Pelham. Schedule your child’s free 747 Club consultation, get clear guidance from our doctors, and leave with a timeline you can feel confident about.

Visit orthosouth.com or call 205-664-4140 to schedule. Smile On!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 747 Club at Ortho South?

The 747 Club is an Ortho South initiative for children ages 7 and up, created to help kids achieve a smile they will love through early evaluation, planning, and guidance.

Does the 747 Club mean my child will get braces at age 7?

Not necessarily. Many kids only need monitoring. Early treatment is recommended only when it can prevent bigger issues or guide growth more effectively.

What happens at the 747 Club consultation?

We evaluate alignment, bite, jaw growth, and tooth eruption, then explain what we see and give you a clear plan. Membership benefits include a free consultation, a certificate, an Ortho South T-shirt, and a spin on the prize wheel.

Why do the AAO and ADA recommend an orthodontic evaluation by age 7?

Because age 7 is often the ideal window for observing growth and development, jaw relationships, and tooth eruption, planning can still take advantage of active growth.

What are common signs my child needs an early orthodontic check?

Crowding, crossbite, underbite tendency, protruding front teeth, unusual eruption patterns, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or bite discomfort are common reasons to schedule an evaluation.



Can kids choose braces colors if they start treatment?

Yes. If braces are recommended, many kids love choosing colors, and it can help them feel excited and motivated throughout treatment.