October is
Orthodontic Health Month, and at
Brayces Orthodontics we use it to spotlight something that truly changes outcomes: an
early orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Families across
Absecon, Somers Point, Egg Harbor Township, Wildwood, and Marmora trust our board-certified team—Dr. Robert James Bray,
Dr. Robert J. Tarby,
Dr. Dan Chenman, and
Dr. Rebecca Lerman—to catch issues early, guide growth, and build confident, healthy smiles with
braces and
Invisalign® in South Jersey.
What Orthodontic Health Month Really Means
Straight teeth are about more than looks. Proactive orthodontic care supports:
- Oral health & hygiene: Correcting crowding/spacing reduces plaque and gum disease risk.
- Bite & jaw function (TMJ): Proper alignment prevents uneven wear and muscle strain.
- Speech, airway & growth: Guided jaw development can support clearer speech and healthy facial growth.
- Confidence: A well-aligned smile helps kids thrive socially during formative years.
Why We Recommend an Evaluation by Age 7
The
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises a first checkup by
age 7, when mixed dentition and active growth centers make concerns easier to spot and guide. Even if full treatment waits until the teen years, a brief evaluation can reveal
crossbites, underbites/overbites, crowding, ectopic eruption, and skeletal asymmetries. Early interceptive care—when needed—can shorten later treatment, reduce extraction risk, and sometimes avoid jaw surgery. If no treatment is needed yet, we add your child to our
Orthodontic Supervisory Program for free periodic growth monitoring.
Signs It’s Time to Schedule
Consider a complimentary exam if you notice:
- Early/late loss of baby teeth
- Crowding, spacing, or protruding front teeth
- Mouth breathing, snoring, or thumb-sucking
- Speech challenges (e.g., lisping)
- Chewing difficulty or uneven tooth wear
- Jaws that shift, click, or feel “off” when closing
How Brayces Makes Early Orthodontic Care Easy
With multiple
South Jersey orthodontic locations—Somers Point, Absecon, Marmora, Wildwood, and Egg Harbor Township—we offer:
- Flexible hours (evenings & select Saturdays)
- Same-day starts when appropriate
- Interest-free payment plans and most insurances accepted
- Our signature
Patient Manager System for consistent, relationship-based care
- Digital diagnostics (3D imaging, iTero® scanning) and options like
Invisalign® and
ceramic braces
What Local Families Are Saying
Parents consistently highlight our welcoming team, clear communication, and results:
- “Wonderful with my Invisalign® and now both my kids’ braces—friendly staff and doctors.”
- “They took time to explain everything and answered all my questions.”
- “Professional, kind, and thorough—my child felt comfortable from day one.”
Book Your Child’s Free Orthodontic Exam This October
If your child is
7 or older—or younger with any of the signs above—schedule a
free consultation. Early insight + attentive care = fewer surprises and healthier smiles later. Start at
brayces.com and choose your nearest office in
Somers Point, Absecon, Marmora, Wildwood, or Egg Harbor Township.
