The Complete Guide to Early Orthodontic Treatment in Paramus, NJ
As a parent, you do everything you can to support your child’s health and development. You book regular checkups, encourage good habits, and keep an eye out for anything unusual. But one area that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a bigger issue is dental alignment and jaw development.
At Paramus Orthodontics, we are passionate about helping families in New Jersey understand the importance of early orthodontic treatment. This approach can prevent larger, more complicated dental issues later, and in many cases, save your child from needing more intensive treatments as they grow older.
This guide will walk you through what early orthodontic treatment is, when to consider it, what benefits it offers, and how it works specifically for kids in Paramus and the surrounding area.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics, refers to orthodontic care that begins before all permanent teeth have erupted. It typically takes place between the ages of 6 and 10, when a child still has a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth.
The goal of early treatment is to:
Guide proper jaw growth
Create space for incoming teeth
Correct bite issues before they worsen
Prevent trauma to protruding front teeth
Avoid the need for tooth extractions in the future
It is also called Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment, as it often precedes a second phase of treatment (usually braces or Invisalign in the teen years).
When Should Your Child First Visit an Orthodontist?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should see an orthodontist for their first evaluation by age 7. This is because:
The first adult molars have likely emerged
Bite alignment is becoming more apparent
Crowding, spacing, or jaw concerns may already be visible
At Paramus Orthodontics, we offer free consultations for children. Even if no treatment is needed right away, it allows us to monitor development and catch potential problems before they become major concerns.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment
While every child develops differently, here are some common signs that early intervention may be needed:
Difficulty chewing or biting food
Mouth breathing
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
Crowded or overlapping teeth
Teeth that do not meet properly
Jaws that appear too far forward or back
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Speech difficulties
If you notice any of these issues, we recommend scheduling an evaluation with our kids orthodontist in Paramus as soon as possible.
What Happens During Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?
Each child’s treatment plan is unique, but Phase 1 typically includes one or more of the following:
A short period of braces on select teeth
Expansion appliances to widen the upper jaw
Space maintainers to preserve room for incoming teeth
Habit appliances to discourage thumb sucking
Retainers to guide alignment
Phase 1 usually lasts between 6 to 12 months. After that, the child enters a resting phase, during which the remaining permanent teeth erupt naturally. In many cases, a second phase (Phase 2) begins in the early teen years to fine-tune alignment.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
There are many advantages to beginning orthodontic care early. These include:
a. Correcting Bite Issues Early
Crossbites, overbites, and underbites can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and even TMJ disorders later in life. Early treatment helps align the bite before these issues become permanent.
b. Preventing Crowding
Guiding jaw growth and creating space for incoming teeth reduces the likelihood of overcrowding, which can eliminate the need for tooth extraction in the future.
c. Boosting Self-Esteem
Children who feel self-conscious about their teeth may become shy or anxious. Straightening prominent front teeth or correcting noticeable bite issues early can help them feel more confident.
d. Improving Facial Symmetry
The jaw plays a major role in shaping the face. Intervening during growth years helps influence the structure in a healthy, balanced way.
e. Reducing Future Treatment Time
Addressing problems early often results in shorter and simpler treatment later. For many kids, Phase 2 treatment is shorter or less intensive because Phase 1 handled the major structural issues.
Is Early Treatment Always Necessary?
Not always. In fact, many children do not need any orthodontic treatment until all their adult teeth have come in. But the only way to know is through a professional evaluation.
At Paramus Orthodontics, we believe in watchful waiting when appropriate. If your child does not require immediate treatment, we will simply monitor their development over time through scheduled growth check-ins, at no cost to you.
This gives you peace of mind and ensures that if intervention does become necessary, we can begin at the right moment.
What to Expect During a Consultation
When you visit our office for an early orthodontic evaluation, here is what typically happens:
Our orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development
We may take X-rays or digital scans to assess growth patterns
You will receive a clear explanation of your child’s orthodontic health
We will recommend one of three paths: begin treatment now, monitor development, or schedule for future treatment
Everything is explained in clear language, and we always welcome your questions. We believe parents deserve full transparency and expert guidance.
How Much Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
Costs vary depending on your child’s needs, treatment duration, and insurance coverage. However, many insurance plans partially or fully cover interceptive orthodontic treatment, especially if it is deemed medically necessary.
At Paramus Orthodontics, we offer:
Flexible payment plans with zero interest
Transparent pricing before treatment begins
Help with submitting insurance claims
No-cost consultations for children
Our goal is to make orthodontic care accessible and affordable for all Paramus families.
Why Choose Paramus Orthodontics?
We know there are many options when searching for an orthodontist in Northern New Jersey. Here is what makes our practice a top choice for early orthodontic treatment:
Decades of combined experience in pediatric and adolescent orthodontics
A patient-first philosophy with a warm, kid-friendly environment
The latest digital tools for precise diagnostics and painless impressions
Flexible scheduling to accommodate school and family life
A track record of happy patients across Paramus and nearby towns
Most of all, we genuinely care. We treat every child like we would our own and create a fun, positive experience for families from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
Early orthodontic treatment is not about doing more. It is about doing the right things at the right time. By evaluating your child early and intervening when needed, you can often prevent larger problems, save money, and set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
If you are a parent in Paramus or the surrounding area, now is the time to schedule your child’s first orthodontic checkup. Whether they need treatment now or later, you will walk away informed and confident in your next steps.
📞 Ready to book your child’s orthodontic consultation?
Contact Paramus Orthodontics today and give them a smile they will love to grow into.
