14 July 2025

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AAO Launches Annual Smiles at 7 Day

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The American Association of Orthodontists announced today the launch of “Smiles at 7” Day, happening July 7. This event will take place yearly on July 7 and is designed to raise awareness about the importance of seeing an orthodontic specialist at age 7—a crucial milestone in a child’s life for identifying early orthodontic issues and determining, if needed, when treatment would be most effective.

“Smiles at 7 Day is an accessible and engaging way to inform the public about the critical role of orthodontic evaluations in a child’s dental health,” said AAO President Dr. Steven M. Siegel. “Seeing an orthodontist by age 7 allows for early detection of bite issues, crowding of teeth, or other developmental concerns, often resulting in less invasive treatments and better long-term outcomes.”

Parents may not know when to bring their child to an orthodontist for a consultation. By age 7, most children have enough permanent teeth to help an orthodontist spot and treat potential problems early enough to avoid more costly or more invasive procedures. Early treatment can guide facial and jaw bones into a better growth pattern and provide more space for incoming permanent teeth.

July 7 serves as an easy reminder that all children should see an orthodontist by age 7. Orthodontists across the United States will celebrate the day at their practices with in-office events, community outreach, and social media campaigns aimed at raising awareness and building lasting relationships with families.

About the American Association of Orthodontists

The American Association of Orthodontists represents 19,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad. Founded in 1900, AAO is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. AAO is dedicated to ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide; improving the overall oral healthcare of the public; advocating for the health and safety of the public; and educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment provided by an orthodontic specialist.

Source: www.aaoinfo.org