As a parent, knowing when to start your child’s orthodontic journey can feel overwhelming. Are they too young? Should you wait until all their adult teeth come in? What if their smile looks fine? At Bernstein Orthodontics, we’re here to help you answer those questions with confidence, and a whole lot of fun along the way. Let’s break down the best time to start orthodontic care, what signs to watch for, and why early evaluations = fewer problems later.
The Magic Age: Why 7 Is the Right Time to Check In
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have their first orthodontic screening between the ages of 7 and 8. Why so early? Because during this phase, your child’s jaw is still developing, and adult teeth are starting to come in. It’s the perfect window to identify subtle issues that could become major problems later. An early evaluation lets us:
- Monitor jaw and bite development
- Ensure incoming adult teeth have sufficient space
- Catch alignment or eruption issues early
- Reduce the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery later
- Support your child’s self-esteem with a confident smile
Pro Tip: If it feels like the Tooth Fairy is making regular visits, it’s time to check in with an orthodontist.
Does Early Evaluation Mean Early Braces?
Not necessarily! Most kids won’t need braces at age 7—but every child benefits from early monitoring. There is likely a lot going on below the surface that can only be seen with an x-ray and needs to be evaluated by an Orthodontic Specialist. Our complimentary evaluations (yes, FREE!) ensure your child’s smile grows in a healthy, balanced way.
When early treatment is needed, we’ll explain why, and how it can make future treatment shorter, simpler, and more effective.
What Makes Bernstein Orthodontics Different?
At Bernstein Orthodontics, we don’t just offer treatment, we offer an experience. Our safari-themed offices in Santa Rosa and Windsor are packed with friendly staff, fun decor, and state-of-the-art tech designed to make your child feel safe and excited to visit. But what really sets us apart?
The Berni-Tube™ Early Treatment System
Created and patented by Dr. Rael Bernstein, the Berni-Tube system revolutionizes Phase 1 orthodontic care. Instead of bulky headgear or uncomfortable expanders, Berni-Tubes use gentle arch wire expansion to:
- Create space for adult teeth
- Eliminate the need for extractions
- Avoid painful traditional devices
- Deliver effective results, faster and more comfortably
Dr. Bernstein developed the Berni-Tube system to give kids a better experience than the one he had growing up. Today, it’s exclusively used at Bernstein Orthodontics and taught to other orthodontists around the world to make early treatment more comfortable for their patients too.
How to Know If Your Child Might Need Braces
Even if your child’s teeth look “fine,” underlying issues can still exist. Here are signs your child may need orthodontic attention:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Jaws that shift, stick out, or seem too far back
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Speech concerns or teasing due to their smile
- Bullying due to misaligned teeth
Bonus: Orthodontists use X-rays to catch hidden issues, ones even your pediatric dentist may not spot.
We’re With You Every Step of the Way
Starting orthodontic care doesn’t have to be scary or confusing. At Bernstein Orthodontics, we make the process:
- Free to check and no dentist referral required
- Fun and stress-free in our bright, themed offices
- Expertly guided by a nationally respected team
- Family-friendly, with bilingual staff and flexible scheduling
We also offer flexible financing and personalized treatment plans so your child can get the smile they deserve, without the worry.
Request a FREE Early Evaluation Today
Whether your child is ready for braces or just needs a quick check-up, now is the perfect time to get started. Join the thousands of families across Sonoma County who trust Dr. Bernstein to deliver results. Request your free consultation today!