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3 Popular questions about braces and answers

April 30th, 2023

How long will my child have to wear braces?

The duration of treatment with braces varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the severity of the orthodontic problem, the type of braces used, and the individual's age and oral health. On average, treatment with traditional metal braces takes about 18-24 months. However, some cases may require longer treatment times, while others may be completed in as little as six months.

Can my child play sports or musical instruments while wearing braces?

Yes, you can continue to participate in sports and play musical instruments while wearing braces. However, it is recommended that you wear a mouth guard during physical activities to protect your teeth and braces. If you play a musical instrument that requires the use of your mouth, such as a brass or wind instrument, you may experience some initial discomfort or difficulty. But with practice and adjustments to your technique, you should be able to play normally.

Do braces hurt?

You may experience some discomfort or soreness after getting braces or after adjustments to the braces. This is normal and usually lasts for a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers and eat soft foods to help alleviate the discomfort. After a few days, your mouth will adjust to the braces, and the discomfort will subside. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, contact your orthodontist for guidance.

Looking for the best kids dentist near the Paterson, Passaic, and Union City areas?

We are here serving Paterson, Passaic, and Hudson NJ, and the surrounding communities, we offer comprehensive oral health services ranging from routine cleanings to emergency treatment. We are committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment to keep all members of the family comfortable in the office.
Paterson(973) 742-4200
Passaic ( 973) 574-1000
Union City(201) 325-8444
Dover (973) 891-4015

Find reviews and updates on Facebook, learn more about our practice online, or give us a call.

When should I get my child braces?

April 17th, 2023

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have an initial orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This allows orthodontists to identify any potential orthodontic issues early on and address them before they become more severe.

It's essential to remember that braces may not be necessary for every child. The decision to get braces should be made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the individual child's orthodontic needs.

Orthodontic treatment may be necessary if your child has crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps between teeth, or bite issues such as an overbite or underbite.

The timing of orthodontic treatment will depend on the individual child's growth and development. In some cases, early intervention may be necessary to guide jaw growth and tooth eruption. In other cases, treatment may be delayed until all the adult teeth have erupted.

It's important to work with an experienced orthodontist who can evaluate your child's orthodontic needs and recommend the best treatment plan.

Overall, the best time to get braces for your child will depend on their individual orthodontic needs. It's important to have an initial orthodontic evaluation at a young age and work with an experienced orthodontist to determine the best course of treatment.

Foods to avoid while wearing braces

April 7th, 2023

There are certain types of food that you should avoid while wearing
dental braces to prevent damage to the braces or tooth decay.
Some examples include:

Hard foods: Foods that are hard or difficult to chew, such as nuts,
hard candies, and raw vegetables, can break or loosen brackets and wires.

Sticky foods: Sticky foods, such as caramel and gum, can get stuck in the
braces and are difficult to remove, which can increase the risk of tooth decay.

Sugary foods and drinks: Foods and drinks that are high in sugar can contribute to tooth decay,
especially if they get stuck in the braces.

Popcorn: The hulls of popcorn can get stuck in the braces and be difficult to remove,
which can increase the risk of tooth decay.

Chewy foods: Foods that are chewy, such as bagels and licorice,
can stretch and loosen the wires on the braces.

By avoiding these types of food and following your orthodontist's instructions,
you can help ensure that your braces are effective and that your teeth
and gums stay healthy while you are wearing them

The Benefits of power chain braces for teens

March 30th, 2023

Power chain braces, also known as a connected row of elastics that cover brackets,
they consist of small rubber bands that are used to help move the teeth into their correct position during orthodontic treatment.

Here are some potential benefits of power chain braces for teens:

  1. Can help to correct bite problems: Power chain braces can be used to help correct bite problems such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
  2. Can help to straighten teeth: Power chain braces can be used to help straighten teeth that are misaligned or crooked.

  1. Can be used in conjunction with other orthodontic treatments: Power chain braces can be used in conjunction with other orthodontic treatments such as traditional braces or clear aligners to help accelerate the movement of the teeth.
  2. Can be adjusted as needed: Power chain braces can be adjusted by the orthodontist as needed to help ensure that the teeth are moving in the desired direction.

Overall, power chain braces can be an effective treatment option for teens with bite problems or misaligned teeth. It's important to discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of this treatment option with an orthodontist to determine if it is the right choice for your specific needs.

Do power chain braces hurt?

It is common for patients to experience some discomfort when power chain braces are first placed, as the teeth are being moved into a new position. However, this discomfort is generally mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication as needed.

It is also normal for the teeth to feel sore for a few days after an adjustment to the power chain braces. This is a sign that the teeth are moving into the desired position and is generally not a cause for concern.

Power chain braces may cause some discomfort for some patients, but this discomfort is generally mild and can be managed with pain medication as needed. It is important to follow the instructions of your orthodontist and to notify them of any concerns you may have.

Looking for the best kids dentist near the Paterson, Passaic, and Union City areas?

We are here serving Paterson, Passaic, and Hudson NJ, and the surrounding communities, we offer comprehensive oral health services ranging from routine cleanings to emergency treatment. We are committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment to keep all members of the family comfortable in the office.
Paterson(973) 742-4200
Passaic ( 973) 574-1000
Union City(201) 325-8444
Dover (973) 891-4015

Find reviews and updates on Facebook, learn more about our practice online, or give us a call.

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