I totally get where you're coming from with the anxiety about starting orthodontics too early. My parents were pretty budget-conscious and cautious about medical interventions, so when my dentist recommended braces at around 8 or 9, they hesitated a lot. They decided to wait and see how things developed, figuring it might sort itself out naturally.
Fast-forward a few years, and by the time I hit 13, my teeth were crowded enough that braces became unavoidable. The orthodontist actually mentioned that if we'd started earlier, it might've been less complicated (and less expensive). I remember my parents kicking themselves a bit over that one. On the flip side though, my younger brother had the same recommendation at 7, and they waited again—his teeth ended up perfectly fine without any intervention at all.
So honestly, it's kind of a toss-up. Early screenings seem smart, but I think it's reasonable to take a wait-and-see approach before committing to costly treatments. Every kid's different...and every wallet is too.
