When you think of orthodontics, you might picture teens with braces, but did you know that the best time to start evaluating your child’s smile is earlier than that? With early orthodontic intervention, starting treatment around age 7 can set the stage for a lifetime of confident and healthy smiles. At Bergen Orthodontics, we believe in taking a proactive approach to orthodontic care that’s modern and effective and inspires confidence every step of the way.
Why Age 7 Is the Perfect Time to Begin
By the age of 7, most kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it the ideal time for an orthodontic evaluation. This allows orthodontists to catch potential issues — like misaligned teeth, overcrowding, or jaw growth discrepancies — before they become more severe. Early orthodontic intervention can address these problems while your child’s jaw and teeth are still developing, making treatment shorter and more effective in the long run.
The Top Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention
1. Guides Proper Jaw Growth
Early treatment lays the groundwork for proper jaw alignment, ensuring that permanent teeth erupt in the right positions. It’s a big win when it comes to avoiding complex procedures later on.
2. Prevents Severe Problems Later
If orthodontic issues go untreated, they tend to worsen. What starts as mild crowding or a slightly misaligned bite can develop into extensive problems that require surgical intervention as an adult. Early orthodontic intervention helps avoid these challenges by catching red flags early and creating a treatment plan to address them.
Our orthodontic expertise here at Bergen Orthodontics means we use only the latest, clinically proven technology to ensure every patient receives top-tier care. From advanced imaging to state-of-the-art orthodontic treatments, we blend technology with finesse to create results worth showing off.
3. Saves Time and Money
Correcting orthodontic issues early can reduce the length of time your child needs braces or aligners later on — and the financial investment, too. Since the early stages of treatment often focus on guiding growth with minimal appliances, it’s an opportunity to create a smooth path for the future while keeping things comfortable for your child.
4. Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
Nothing beats seeing your child light up with confidence as their smile transforms. Early intervention allows kids to develop self-esteem even in their formative years. By addressing issues before they become noticeable to peers, your child can face the world without hesitation.
What Happens During Early Treatment?
An early orthodontic visit is straightforward and stress-free. At Bergen Orthodontics, we’ll start with a thorough evaluation to understand your child’s bite and jaw alignment. If needed, we may recommend phase one treatment, which could include expanders, spacers, or even partial braces. Phase two comes later (often during the teen years) when all permanent teeth have arrived.
Rest assured, our team — which includes expert orthodontists — takes a careful approach to treatment planning. Each patient receives a customized game plan that works with their specific goals and lifestyle. Plus, with our focus on patient comfort, we make every step as smooth and exciting as possible.
Modern Care for the Modern Family
Orthodontic care has come a long way since Bergen Orthodontics first opened its doors in 1955. Families today look for advanced treatments that blend seamlessly into their lives, and we deliver just that. Whether we’re helping your 7-year-old achieve their dream smile or creating treatment options for adults, our focus remains the same — exceptional care, dazzling results, and a dose of inspiration that makes every visit fun.
Are you ready to learn whether early orthodontic intervention is right for your child? We’d love to help you take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile. Contact us today to schedule your free consult and get started on a customized plan designed just for you.
