Hello neighbors of South Jersey, families in Absecon, Somers Point, Egg Harbor, Wildwood, Marmora, Brigantine, and everywhere in between!
October is a special month for us here at BRAYCES: it’s Orthodontic Health Month. We use this time not just for promotions (though we’ll have those, too), but more importantly to raise awareness and share why early care is so critical. In this post, I want to walk you through:
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What “Orthodontic Health Month” really means
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Why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check by age 7
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What families in South Jersey should keep an eye on
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How BRAYCES is here to help families early
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A few voices from our community
1. What Is Orthodontic Health Month and Why It Matters
Orthodontic Health Month is a chance for us all (practices, families, schools) to pause and think: straight smiles are more than cosmetic. They impact:
Oral health & hygiene: Crowding or misalignment makes it easier for plaque to accumulate, increasing risk of cavities, gum disease, and wear on enamel.
Jaw / bite / function: Improper alignment can stress joints (TMJ), cause uneven chewing, or lead to muscle strain.
Speech, breathing, and growth: In some children, misalignment or skeletal issues can affect speech, airway, or facial development.
Self-esteem & social confidence: A confident smile can change how a child presents themselves, which matters, especially during formative school years.
During October, we amplify education, screening, and encouragement: it’s a good time to rethink a child’s orthodontic timeline, even if they seem “just fine” now.
2. Why Age 7 Is a Benchmark (Not Every Child Needs Treatment Then, But Needs Evaluation)
You may wonder: why push for a visit “so early”? Here’s what science and experience teach us:
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By age 7, most children have a mix of baby (primary) and permanent teeth. Growth centers in the jaw are active.
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Even if full treatment (braces/invisalign) won’t start for several years, a diagnostic check can spot hidden red flags: crossbites, underbites, severe crowding, ectopic eruptions (teeth coming in the wrong place), or skeletal asymmetries.
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Early intervention, when needed, can reduce severity, shorten later treatment time, or in some cases eliminate the need for extraction or jaw surgery.
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If no treatment is needed yet, we watch. We periodically monitor growth, dental eruption, and simply stay vigilant.
In short: age 7 gives us a chance to catch what you missed before it becomes a bigger problem.
3. What to Watch For
Kids grow and change quickly, and sometimes dental issues aren’t obvious right away. Here are a few signs that it might be time to schedule an orthodontic checkup:
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Early or late loss of baby teeth
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Crowded or overlapping front teeth
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Mouth breathing, snoring, or oral habits (thumb-sucking, lip-biting)
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Speech difficulties (e.g. lisping)
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Chewing difficulties or uneven wear
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Jaws that shift, make noise, or feel “off” when closing
If you see any of these, don’t wait. Bring your child in for a FREE Exam during October, part of our Orthodontic Health Month initiative.
4. How BRAYCES Serves South Jersey Families, Especially Early
At BRAYCES, we’ve served Southern New Jersey for over 45 years, with multiple offices in Absecon, Somers Point, Wildwood, Egg Harbor, Marmora, and Brigantine.
Here’s how we try to make early orthodontic care practical, friendly, and local:
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Multiple locations + flexible hours: We offer evening and Saturday appointments to fit busy family schedules.
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Expert credentials: Dr. Bray and Dr.Tarby have additional specialized training beyond general dentistry.
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Same-day starts: If during the consultation we see that treatment should begin, we can often begin right away, no extra scheduling.
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No hidden fees & interest-free payment plans: We want families to feel comfortable investing in health without surprises.
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Patient Manager System: You’ll have continuity, the same team sees your child over visits, building trust and consistency.
Because I grew up here, and even worked at BRAYCES in the summers as a teen, serving south jersey is personal to me and I want the best for the children in our community.
5. What Families Are Saying
Hearing from parents and kids is powerful. Here are a few reviews from Brayces’ patients:
“Dr. Tarby is a wonderful Orthodontist. He is currently taking care of me with my Invisalign journey and is about to work with both my children with their braces. I love the staff and doctors at BRAYCES. They are wonderful and friendly.”
“Everyone was so friendly and patient. They really took the time to explain everything in detail and answered all of my questions. Office was very clean.”
“The staff and doctors are very professional and courteous!”
Over and over, families say they feel welcome, respected, and that we took time to explain each step. That’s not just good service, it’s how we build trust, especially when dealing with children.
This October, as you carve pumpkins or plan trick-or-treating, I encourage every parent to pause and think about your child’s smile. Orthodontic Health Month isn’t just a marketing slogan, it’s a reminder that early, informed evaluation can change a child’s trajectory, health, and confidence.
If your child is 7 or older or even younger and you notice something concerning , call your nearest Brayces office. Let’s sit together, examine, and decide what’s best. Early insight + attentive care = fewer surprises later.
Schedule your FREE exam this October and join us in making South Jersey’s smiles healthier, stronger, and more confident.