Most seven-year-olds are busy perfecting their cartwheels, not thinking about braces—and that’s exactly why parents should be. In Lakeland, early orthodontic visits can help spot small issues before they grow into bigger ones alongside your child. At Scott Orthodontics, Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel use these early check-ins to set the stage for smoother, more efficient treatment down the road. Up next, let’s explore what makes age seven such a smart time to start the conversation.
Why Age Seven Is a Smart Start
While orthodontic treatment can begin at any age, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup around age seven, and Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel fully agree. Why? By this age, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which gives orthodontists a helpful window into how the bite is developing.
Early visits don’t always lead to immediate treatment. Sometimes, they’re just about monitoring growth and timing things right down the road. But in other cases, starting sooner can help with:
- Encouraging healthy jaw development while kids are still growing
- Minimizing the chances of needing surgery or tooth extractions down the road
- Tackling habits like thumb-sucking and mouth breathing before they cause long-term issues
- Making room for adult teeth to come in without crowding or complications
Think of it as a Lakeland-style head start—like grabbing a seat at Lake Mirror before the crowds roll in for a Friday night food truck rally. Getting an early look can make a big difference.
Next, let’s explore what orthodontic options are available when the time is right.
Treatment Options That Grow With You
Every smile is different, and so are the treatment paths. Whether it’s a young student at Lakeland Highlands Middle School or a parent who has finally decided to do something for themselves, Scott Orthodontics offers flexible options that fit a variety of ages and lifestyles.
Here’s what’s on the menu:
Traditional Metal Braces
Durable and reliable, these are a great option for kids and teens, especially those who don’t mind showing a little sparkle with their smile.
Clear Braces
A less noticeable alternative is choosing ceramic brackets that blend in with the natural color of your teeth.
Clear Aligners
Removable and nearly invisible, clear aligners (like our in-house version, or Invisalign and Spark) are popular with teens and adults who want discreet treatment.
Lingual Braces
These are hidden behind the teeth, making them a sleek choice for those wanting treatment on the down-low.
Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel work closely with each patient to find the option that makes the most sense, not just for their teeth, but for their day-to-day life.
Coming up next: What timing looks like for teens and adults who may have missed that early window.
It’s Never “Too Late” in Lakeland
While childhood may be the golden window for early orthodontic screenings, plenty of folks in Lakeland are proving that timing is just a number. Teens from George Jenkins High School, college students at Florida Southern, and working professionals alike are embracing treatment on their own schedule.
Why? Because with orthodontics, you can grow into confidence at any age!
Here’s what makes later treatment more appealing than ever:
- Discreet Options: With clear aligners and behind-the-teeth braces available at Scott Orthodontics, you won’t have to feel like you’re flashing a mouthful of metal at your next work meeting or coffee date.
- Comfortable Technology: Modern materials like NiTi wires—developed by NASA, no less—create a smoother treatment experience.
- Customized Plans: Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel design each treatment around your goals, lifestyle, and schedule.
Next, let’s look at why so many families in Lakeland (and beyond) have made Scott Orthodontics their top choice.
Why Families Across Lakeland Choose Scott Orthodontics
Choosing the right orthodontist isn’t just about credentials, though you have to feel confident that your family is cared for like one of their own. Families across Lakeland and neighboring spots like Bartow and Auburndale continue to choose Scott Orthodontics for good reason:
- Board-certified care from Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel, backed by years of experience and advanced training
- Two convenient locations in Lakeland and Winter Haven, making orthodontic visits easy to fit into your daily routine
- Flexible scheduling is designed with busy Lakeland families in mind
- A legacy of care—Scott Orthodontics has been part of the Polk County community since 1987, treating multiple generations of smiling patients
Local parents often share their experiences, like this one from Shannon P.:
“They have worked with/on almost everyone in the family, including my youngest daughter, who has Down Syndrome. I wouldn’t see anyone else!”
Whether you’re juggling school drop-offs or heading to Hollis Garden on the weekend, Scott Orthodontics fits right into your life. Up next, let’s explore how their flexible financial options make orthodontic care feel a lot less stressful.
Making Braces Budget-Friendly in Lakeland
Orthodontic care doesn’t have to put a dent in your wallet—or your weekend plans! Scott Orthodontics makes the process refreshingly manageable with flexible payment options and transparent pricing from the start. Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel understand that every family’s budget looks different, so they offer custom plans that actually work for your lifestyle.
Here’s how they keep orthodontic care affordable without cutting corners:
- Zero-interest payment plans that won’t sneak up on you
- Flexible monthly payments you can adjust to fit your routine
- Trusted third-party financing options like CareCredit, LendingClub, and OrthoFi
- Insurance help—they’ll file claims for you and maximize your benefits
From the first consultation to the last check-in, Scott Orthodontics makes the financial side of care feel less like a puzzle and more like a partnership. With transparent pricing, flexible options, and a team that’s always ready to help, you’ll never feel left in the dark.
Smile Decisions Made Easy
Choosing when—and where—to start orthodontic care is a big decision, but with Scott Orthodontics, it feels like a no-brainer. With expert care from Dr. Jon, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Patel, two welcoming offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven, and flexible financing that keeps things stress-free, your smile goals are well within reach. Schedule your free consultation with Scott Orthodontics today—because great smiles shouldn’t wait, and neither should you!