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Notes from the Practice / Children

Choosing a children’s orthodontist in Valencia

An early visit should help you understand your child’s development, whether treatment is needed now or the next step is simply another check.

SC OrthodonticsJuly 15, 2026Updated October 18, 20262 min read

Dr. Haykani examining a young patient at SC Orthodontics in Valencia

Parents should leave an orthodontic visit knowing what was found and what happens next. At SC Orthodontics in Valencia, we see children from across Santa Clarita. The next step may be a treatment discussion or a plan to keep watching as adult teeth come in.

A first check by age seven

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic check by age seven. This is an assessment, not an automatic start date for braces. Its guide to an early orthodontic visit explains the possible next steps: reassurance, observation, or treatment when a specific problem benefits from it.

For questions about younger children or a first visit after seven, read when your child should first see an orthodontist.

What growth monitoring should explain

If treatment is not needed yet, ask what the orthodontist will watch and when to return. At SC Orthodontics, observation visits for children are complimentary until the timing is right. Dr. Haykani follows growth and tooth development and explains any change in the recommendation.

A useful monitoring plan gives you a next step without making every loose tooth or change in the smile feel like a problem.

When early treatment is considered

Some developing bite or jaw-width problems may benefit from early care. Ask which finding needs attention, what the proposed appliance is meant to achieve, and whether another phase may be needed later. An early phase does not guarantee that later treatment will be shorter or unnecessary.

If you are also concerned about persistent snoring or mouth breathing, tell your child’s pediatrician. An orthodontic evaluation can assess the developing bite but does not replace a medical breathing assessment. Our mouth-breathing guide explains that distinction.

Make room for your child’s questions

Bring your questions and any recent dental records. Tell the team if your child is anxious or has had a difficult dental experience so the visit can be explained in a way they understand.

Sunday and evening appointments offer more choices around school. Book a free consultation to discuss what your child needs now and what can wait.

Next step

Come in with questions. Leave with a clear plan.

Free consultation with X-rays and digital scans included. New patients are usually seen the same week, including Sundays and evenings.

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