If you’re a Bergen County parent wondering when to book your child’s first orthodontic visit, the answer is earlier than most people expect. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up by age 7 — even if their teeth look fine.
Why age 7?
By around seven, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, and the jaw is still growing. That combination gives an orthodontist a first clear look at how the bite is developing — while there’s still plenty of time to guide it. Many issues are far simpler (and less expensive) to address early than to correct once the jaw has finished growing.
What an early evaluation can catch
A first visit can spot crowding, spacing, crossbites, deep bites, open bites, protruding front teeth, and habits like thumb-sucking that affect tooth and jaw position. Catching these early lets Dr. Vaysman recommend the right timing — sometimes a short early (Phase I) treatment, and very often simply monitoring growth until the ideal moment to begin.
Early treatment vs. waiting
An age-7 check-up does not mean braces at seven. In most cases, the best advice is to watch and wait, with periodic growth checks at no charge. When early treatment is warranted, it can create room for adult teeth, reduce the chance of extractions or surgery later, and make a future full treatment shorter and easier.
What a first visit looks like at Smile Orthodontists
Your child’s first consultation with Dr. Tanya Vaysman is complimentary and no-obligation. She personally examines every patient — you’ll get a straight, unhurried answer about whether to treat now or simply keep an eye on things, and a clear plan either way.
We make it easy for busy families to come in: we offer weeknight evening appointments to 7:30 PM and are open Sundays 9 AM–5 PM, right here at 162 Closter Dock Road in Closter. Book your child’s complimentary evaluation →