TMJ disorders, also known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), can affect children, causing a range of symptoms that impact their daily lives. This condition involves issues with the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Recognizing the signs and understanding the causes are crucial for early intervention. In this article, we'll explore the symptoms, potential causes, and effective treatments for TMJ disorders in children, empowering parents with the knowledge to ensure their child's oral health and overall well-being.

TMJ disorders (also called temporomandibular disorders, or TMD) can cause:

? Symptoms:

✅ Pain in the head, neck, jaw, or face
✅ Problems chewing or biting
✅ Popping or clicking sounds when opening and closing the mouth
✅ Occasionally, a jaw that can lock open or lock shut

? What causes TMJ disorders?

✅ Bruxism (jaw clenching or teeth grinding)
✅ Stress: It can make a child clench their teeth.
✅ History of trauma
✅ Joint problems

? Treatments:

✅ Eat soft foods
✅ Ice packs or heat to the side of the face
✅ Doctor might apply a splint or biteplate to wear at night for reducing clenching
✅ Braces

TMJ disorders manifest through various symptoms, including pain in the head, neck, jaw, or face, difficulties in chewing or biting, and audible popping or clicking sounds during mouth movement. In some cases, a child may experience a jaw that can lock open or shut, further complicating everyday activities. Understanding the potential causes of TMJ disorders is essential for effective management.

Bruxism, or jaw clenching and teeth grinding, often plays a role, as does stress, which can lead to teeth clenching. A history of trauma and underlying joint problems can also contribute to the development of TMJ disorders in children. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, various treatments, such as modifying the diet to include softer foods, applying ice packs or heat to the affected area, and, in some cases, using braces, can provide relief. Additionally, doctors might recommend wearing a splint or biteplate at night to reduce clenching and promote healing. Overall, early detection and a tailored treatment plan can make a significant difference in managing TMJ disorders in children.

You may be wondering why your child seems to have crowded teeth, or biting the side of their cheeks.
Here are some early signs that you may need to take your child to an orthodontist:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth: If your child loses their baby teeth earlier or later than their peers, this may be a sign that there is a problem with their bite.
2. Difficulty biting or chewing: If your child has difficulty biting or chewing, this may be a sign that their teeth are misaligned or that they have a bite problem.
3. Mouth breathing: If your child frequently breathes through their mouth, this may be a sign that their teeth are misaligned or that they have a bite problem.
4. Crowded or crooked teeth: If your child has crowded or crooked teeth, this may be a sign that they would benefit from orthodontic treatment.
5. Misaligned jaw: If your child's jaw appears misaligned or if they have difficulty closing their mouth completely, this may be a sign that they would benefit from orthodontic treatment.

6. Thumb sucking: If your child continues to suck their thumb beyond the age of four, this may be a sign that they would benefit from orthodontic treatment.

4 main reasons to visit an Orthodontist

1. To straighten teeth: If you or your child has crooked or misaligned teeth, an orthodontist can develop a treatment plan to help straighten the teeth.

2. To correct a bite problem: An orthodontist can help to correct bite problems such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite.

3. To improve oral function: Orthodontic treatment can help to improve oral function by aligning the teeth and jaws properly, which can make it easier to bite and chew

4. To improve the appearance of the teeth: Orthodontic treatment can help to improve the appearance of the teeth by straightening them and correcting any misalignments. This can increase self-confidence and improve overall oral health.

If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to have your child evaluated by an orthodontist to determine if they would benefit from treatment. Early intervention can often lead to more effective treatment and better results.

Visiting an orthodontist can help to improve the health and appearance of the teeth and jaws. If you or your child is experiencing any problems with the teeth or jaws, it is a good idea to consult an orthodontist for an evaluation.

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.

Children's general Dentist Location:

Smile Central Dental
Dentist, Paterson, NJ
Orthodontics, Paterson, NJ

 

Address:
140 Market Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
Orthodontics Center - 2nd Floor  (x 21 or x22 )
Children's General Dentistry - 3rd Floor
Treatment - 4th Floor

Phone: (973) 742-4200
Fax: (973) 742-4997

Paterson - Dental Office Manager: Cristal Jimenez
Paterson - Ortho Office Manager: Maria Gutierrez

 

About Our Practice
Smile Central Dental has always emphasized that outstanding people are the key to our success. Our strength and future growth depend on the contributions made by our team and each person within our organization. To ensure continued success, we feel it is important that all employees understand our policies and procedures. We hold them to that standard and they perform to the highest level. 
Our staff is dedicated to serving our community and providing the very best care.

 

Mission Statement
Smile Central Dental’s mission is to enhance the life of anyone we come in contact with. We accomplish this by educating both children and parents on the importance of their dental health, eradicating cavities on our beloved patients, and providing all members of our team with an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. All this while proudly serving the communities we are in that have given us the opportunity to do what we love.

 

 

When a permanent tooth starts erupting under a baby tooth, the root of the baby tooth is resorbed and the permanent tooth takes its place. 

Sometimes the permanent tooth starts erupting in the mouth while the baby tooth is still there - this is known as shark teeth because of its appearance. It usually occurs in the lower and upper front teeth. If the baby tooth does not get out itself then it has to be extracted and the permanent tooth will naturally come in its place.

What causes Shark teeth?

Most commonly, at the age of 5-7 years, the permanent teeth start to push the baby tooth so they shed off. But sometimes the baby teeth don't want to leave the baby’s mouth and the permanent one comes right behind it and causes two rows of teeth to exist, one of the adult teeth and one of the baby teeth.

When should baby teeth fall out?

In total, a child has 20 baby teeth ( 10 upper and 10 lower) which start erupting at the age of 6 months. All these teeth come off before the age of 12 years. The permanent adult teeth are 32 in total and start erupting from the age of 6yrs.

What should you do if your baby has 2 rows of teeth?

For this case, there are some solutions for you. If the baby tooth is loose, tell your child to wiggle it out so it can come out on itself naturally. If the tooth is not loose you can take an appointment with a Children's general dentist. The dentist will perform a tooth extraction to remove the baby's tooth. If one of the front teeth grows the teeth behind it then it's most likely possible that the other one will do the same because pairs of teeth often act the same way. So instead of two visits, you can wait for the other adult tooth to grow so you can get your child’s teeth extracted in the same visit.

If your child is experiencing erupted teeth behind their front teeth,
Call the Paterson Office (973) 742-4200 to schedule an appointment or
Passaic  ( 973) 574-1000
Union City(201) 325-8444

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.

Find reviews and updates on Facebook, learn more about our practice online, or give us a call (973) 742-4200

Have you been considering treatment for straightening your child's teeth?
Perhaps you are looking to make a decision towards a more confident, beautiful smile that your child deserves.

 

We currently have two treatments for straightening your child's teeth over time. Both will improve your smile and overall dental health. However, you may have questions about the differences between the two.

So what is the Difference between Traditional Braces and Invisalign?

TRADITIONAL BRACES:
Device:
Traditional braces refer to metal brackets, wire, and rubber bands used to straighten your child's teeth. Metal braces include a wire called an archwire.
Your orthodontist will attach brackets to each tooth with bonding material.
These are gradually adjusted over time by tightening the wire which is held in place with rubber bands. This will place the teeth properly. People may shy away from braces and go with Invisalign due to the maintenance that metal braces include.

Time Involved:
- Braces don't come off until its time Braces 2 yrs treatment.
But patients often see results early. This helps to boost self-confidence and may encourage you to keep it up.
Completion expectancy of treatment can vary from patient to patient depending on what is being corrected therefore time frames are estimated whether the patient is advised metal braces or Invisalign treatment.
- Brackets can be tricky.
- Visits: About every 4-6 weeks. Fortunately, these visits are short ( about 30 min to 1hr)
- Slight soreness may occur with adjustments but should be temporary.

 

Convenience:
Traditional braces may provide better results depending on the challenging orthodontic needs a patient may have.

example: Teeth that may sit in different positions that are noticeable.
You may, however, want to consider this:
They may be a bit more involved to navigate around while flossing but it's not impossible and can be learned and there are accessories available that make cleaning easier. Visits for broken wires may occur.

Food Restrictions:
Unfortunately, there are some foods to avoid while wearing braces.
These may include:
- Popcorn, gum, apples, and other chewy stuff.

Cost:
Traditional braces tend to be more affordable than
Clear aligners. Both treatment options have accompanying payment options.
Most insurances are accepted as well as payment plans

Brushing vs Soaking:

Traditional braces are more likely to trap food and tend to be difficult to clean because they are fixed in the mouth.

 

 

INVISALIGN:
Device:
Invisalign is a popular treatment option due to being removable and virtually invisible.

Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and rubber bands.
It uses a series of clear, customized, removable devices called aligners.
Braces have been around longer than Invisalign but this doesn't take away from
Invisalign at all. Both are very effective. Invisalign aligners are a bit more smooth.

Proven results: SmartTrack® material and SmartForce® features are clinically proven to improve control of tooth movement with Invisalign clear aligners
Your treatment might include as little as 12 trays or as many as 48

Time Involved:
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
you could see your new smile in as little as 6 months, however, completion expectancy of treatment can vary from patient to patient depending on what is being corrected therefore time frames are estimated whether the patient is advised metal braces or Invisalign treatment.

- Invisalign - Less time than traditional braces.
- 22-24 hrs wear Invisalign a day
- Braces 18 months to 3 years

 

Convenience:
Invisalign treatment is ideal for your busy schedule since you only need to visit our office every six weeks. Invisalign Clear aligners can treat a wide range of teeth-straightening conditions, including crossbites, crowding, open bites, gapped teeth, overbites, and underbites. Virtually invisible. Most people will not even notice that they are being worn. They are often referred to as more comfortable than metal braces due to the SmartTrack material. Straightens teeth more predictably and comfortably covered by many orthodontic insurance plans paying with pre-tax dollars from your HSA arranging a monthly payment plan

 

Food Restrictions:
Time for a snack? No problem. Take out your aligners to eat or drink whenever you want.

 

Cost:
Invisalign can typically cost more than their metal counterparts but there are available payment options. Most insurances are accepted as well as payment plans

 

Brushing vs Soaking:

It is as easy as taking your aligners off to brush and floss your teeth and then putting them right back in. Your aligners will stay cleaner if they are placed on clean teeth.

Must be considered:
Invisalign trays must also be cleaned.
Because bacteria can build up on the trays while you sleep during the night.
It's best practice to establish a routine to clean them in the morning and at night,
for the best oral health.

Soaking and Rinsing them is also a great practice.

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions:

Why Invisalign Treatment?

The Invisalign Treatment Process

Your First Consultation

Your Custom Treatment Plan

Here are some frequently asked questions about Invisalign

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign treatment?

 

 

Treatment

FEATURE	INVISALIGN	OTHER CLEAR ALIGNERS	TRADITIONAL BRACES
Made from SmartTrack Material	Yes
In-person consultations with real doctors	Yes		Yes
Easily removable for eating, drinking & flossing	Yes	Yes
No emergency visits for broken wires	Yes	Yes
Virtually invisible	Yes	Yes
Made from traditional brackets and wires			Yes
Each aligner is trimmed to your gum line for optimal comfort and appearance	Yes
Blue compliance indicator dots to help you stay on track	Yes
Covered by many orthodontic insurance plans	Yes	Yes	Yes

 

Treatment:
There’s never been a better time to straighten your teeth with the most advanced clear aligner in the world. Our office is proud to be a certified provider of Invisalign clear aligners, which give you a clear, convenient, and comfortable option to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. This does not indicate that metal braces are not a great choice.

 

Conclusion:
Regardless of which orthodontic treatment you choose, the professional staff at
Smile Central Dental is skilled at providing you quality treatment giving you a winning smile with the best options for you.

Braces are the popular choice for most of our patients which is perfectly fine.
It all boils down to the patient's preference.

Consults are free for metal braces treatment and, or Invisalign treatment.
Most insurances are accepted as well as payment plans.
Convenient office hours and open on Saturdays.

To schedule a first consultation or visit, please contact us at
one of our locations:

1. 140 Market St, Paterson, NJ 07505
Children's Dentistry - 3rd Floor
Orthodontics Center - 2nd Floor
Treatment Center - 4th Floor
(973) 742-4200

 

2. 625 Main Ave
Passaic, NJ 07055
Children's Dentistry - 3rd Floor
(973) 574-1000

 

3. 3196 John Fitzgerald Kennedy Blvd
3rd Floor
Union City, NJ 07087
(201) 325-8444

 

 

 

 

Dental braces are a way orthodontists correct alignment issues. As your child’s adult teeth begin to erupt, you may discover crooked teeth, an overbite, or other irregularities that may be signs that your little one needs corrective treatment. If you’re wondering whether your child is too young for braces, here are some guidelines orthodontists use to decide whether they’re ready.

3 Factors Orthodontists Consider When Giving Children Braces

1. Permanent & Baby Teeth

Orthodontists recommend an evaluation when they are close to having all permanent teeth - there is still some value to capitalizing on space created when the last baby teeth are loose. Since baby teeth will be lost, correcting them is ineffective. The last baby teeth come out around the ages of 11 and 12. If you notice misaligned bites, gaps, crowding, and other alignment issues, your child may benefit from this treatment.

2. Existing Dental Problems

Braces can’t be used until other oral health issues are resolved. Extensive decay, oral trauma, and gum disease are all conditions that can progress if left untreated while braces are on. To avoid further issues, an orthodontist will address oral health before implementing braces.

3. Ability to Care for Braces

Your child will need to be diligent about brushing and flossing if they have braces since food is more likely to get stuck between wires and brackets. If you or an orthodontist feels that they haven’t yet developed adequate dental care practices, braces may be a treatment for the future. Their dentist can help them build healthier habits so that when it’s time for braces, you can be confident they’ll keep their teeth healthy.

 

If you think your child requires dental braces to correct an alignment issue call (973) 742-4200 to schedule an appointment. ( Orthodontics ext: 21 )

Serving Paterson, 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.

Find reviews and updates on Facebook, learn more about our practice online, or give us a call (973) 742-4200

 

Give Kids a Smile Day! - Smile Central Dental - Feb, 1st, 2019

Announcement post!

We are happy to announce that we will be participating for our 15th year in the "Give kids a smile" movement. On Feb, Friday, 1st, 2019, we will be providing free dental services to those who need it and may very well not have insurance. 

Cited from the American Dental Association:
With the support of the ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program, launched nationally by the American Dental Association in 2003, more than five million underserved children have received free oral health services over the last 13 years. These free services are provided by approximately 10,000 dentists annually, along with 30,000 other dental team members.

 

For those who have questions about dental health, dental problems, kids dentistry, braces, and treatment and need to schedule consistent visits with a dentist in the North Jersey area, give us a call at one of our locations nearest you.