Orthodontist New Jersey

How to relieve pain from braces ?

January 19th, 2022

What causes Pain?
It is unknown to what the exact causes are but there
may be other factors at play.

These particular methods can help ease pain

Changes in blood flow when braces apply pressure
Over the counter pain relievers can be helpful
in relieving pain due to the pressure associated with braces.
Topical products may also be helpful.
In addition, toothpaste, mouth rinse, and dental floss designed for sensitive teeth.
Oral anesthetics
Over-the-counter pain medicine
An ice pack
Cold ice water
Soft foods
Orthodontic wax
A warm rinse
A gum massage
Good dental hygiene
Brushing your teeth softly
Protect the braces: Many patients play sports.

Using a mouth guard can help to protect your teeth, your gums and the braces.
Eating soft foods can help to avoid further pain that occurs from
eating tougher foods. These may include soft vegetables, pasta, jello, soup.

  • Other causes for pain:
    When brackets and wires physically rub it can cause pain
    as tissue becomes rough.
    Wires poking in the back of the mouth

When this is occurring, please make sure to contact your orthodontist.
Doing this can help to avoid any infections or any other complications
as well as addressing the pain.

If you are one of our patients and you are experiencing this, please contact us
so we can address the issue. If you are looking for a new Orthodontist, contact us, we are happy to hear from you and help you with any concerns or any needs you may have.

My child's teeth don't seem to be straight

January 29th, 2021

Why some teeth do not come in straight?

It’s quite common for children to get adult teeth that are not straight.
The most common factors include extra teeth, missing teeth, large teeth, wide spacing, or inadequate spacing/small jaws. Habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, premature loss of baby teeth, or a poor breathing airway caused by enlarged
adenoids aggravate the problem, resulting in crowded teeth and/or an abnormal bite.
Crooked Teeth

Regular visits to the dentist

The first primary/baby teeth start to come in at about 6 months of age. As soon as your child first gets their baby teeth, it’s important to get them on their first trip to the dentist. This allows the dentist to help ensure your child’s teeth stay clean,
and they can examine the inbound adult teeth.
Once the adult teeth start coming in, regular dental visits will allow your dentist to notice if some teeth are not coming in straight and they can refer you to an orthodontist or in our case, to our orthodontist department.
Dentist Visit

Habits

A children's general dentist can help you identify and correct bad habits that might cause teeth to not erupt straight. One of the most common examples is pacifiers. While it can be a great way to soothe a baby and even provide health benefits for infants, it can also
play a part in teeth erupting differently.
However, One should wean their child of the pacifier by the age of two, otherwise, it can cause teeth to grow incorrectly. Thumb sucking is another big instigator of crooked teeth.
A children's general dentist has extensive experience helping children change habits and they can work with you to create a plan for breaking them and know how to provide the right kind of motivation to cause change.

 

Keep an eye on growth

Sometimes when children start getting adult teeth, they erupt (break through the gums) in a crooked fashion.
While they might look quite crooked in the early stages of growth, they do most of the time end up aligned in a correct position by the time they’re fully grown.
So even if your child is getting teeth that are initially crooked, there’s no need to panic. Your active role during this period is to have regular visits to your child’s dentist so they can provide timely professional insights about any required treatments.

Visit the Orthodontist

If your child gets a reference for an orthodontist, then you should definitely get a consultation. The sooner they can visit the earlier they can begin treatment. Earlier treatment means it's easier and cheaper to fix the teeth and bite,
by correcting minor issues instead of waiting until they become major issues.
Around the age of 7, adult teeth can start to come in, and that is a good time for a visit to the orthodontist, who can assess if early treatments are necessary to prevent major treatments in the future.
Do you feel that your child's teeth seem to be not straight?
Do you feel they may need braces? Contact one of our offices near you.

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

 

Babys first birthday equals babys first checkup

January 20th, 2021

Babys first birthday equals baby's first checkup
Subtitle: What happens at baby's first dentist visit?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a dental visit for children by age one.

Many parents may not know that baby teeth can get cavities just as permanent teeth can. Primary teeth/Baby teeth are necessary for children to chew and speak as well as to hold space for developing permanent teeth below the gums.

What are the benefits of visiting a children's general Dentist by age one?

  • Cavity prevention starts when they have their first tooth.
  • Starting when your child is young will allow them to become familiar with visits to the dentist.
  • Being proactive early can help keep their pearly whites healthy for life.
  • Earlier visits can be helpful for the detection of early tooth decay or any other dental developmental anomalies as well as provide parents with information on proper oral hygiene and development, and answer questions.

Baby smiliing first tooth

Recent studies show early childhood tooth decay to be on the rise.  Earlier visits to a children's general Dentist can prevent childhood tooth decay through education and regular visits.

Here is how you can make your child’s first dental visit a successful one:

  • Be positive and show excitement before and during your child’s first visit to the dentist. If you show any anxiety that you may have about visiting the dentist, your child would also be scared.
  • Talk about it-  use books and relevant resources to help prepare and get your child familiar with visiting the dentist.
  • Timing is vital- Plan beforehand so that you have plenty of time and arrive early so your visit is not rushed.  Make sure your child is well-rested before the visit so they are comfortable.  Morning is usually the best time for young children to visit the dentist.
  • Start them early-  Starting healthy habits like proper oral hygiene at an early age is important to prevent problems. 

Babys dentist visit

What Happens at the First Dental Visit?

The first dental visit is usually brief. It gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way and involves little to no treatment. 

During the visit, your dentist will 

  • Examine all existing teeth for decay. Hint: When that first tooth erupts. You can visit the dentist.
  • Look at your child's bite
  • Get a look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues.

Your children's general dentist would also educate you about oral health care basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions that you might have.

 

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

 

 

When do my child's teeth erupt?

January 7th, 2021

Children begin the teething process after the age of six months.
While this is a very new experience, it could bring a whole new set of difficulties for the parents with an uncomfortable and hurting baby.
Educating yourself about how their teeth erupt and why they eventually lose them when they will start getting their adult teeth is the best way to navigate this period of their lives.
From 6 months to 3 years of age, kids get 20 primary or baby teeth. These teeth fall out (shed) at various times throughout childhood.

How Do My Children’s Teeth Erupt?
Typically, 6 months is when your child begins the teething process.
Before baby teeth start erupting, they form from the tooth buds in their jaw, and they start to move upward through the gums and into the mouth.
The first teeth that will start coming in are typically the incisors that are situated directly in the front of the mouth.

Baby teething

These teeth are often first noticed by nursing mothers as the baby begins testing them out while feeding. From this point until the age of 3 years,
there is a steady progression of teeth coming in until they’ve got their full complement of 20 baby teeth.

How Their Teeth Loosen And Fall Out
Ever wondered exactly what leads to the baby teeth loosening and falling out?
The tooth buds form a whole new set of teeth that start growing up under the primary teeth.
In the process, the old roots are resorbed, and the tooth moves up and out of the way, getting loose before they fall out. Children typically announcing that they have loose teeth is usually the first sign that it is happening.
It’s better to let a tooth go through the process on its own and fall out naturally.

Children's primary teeth ( baby teeth ) typically fall out around 6 years old.
The central incisors are usually the first to go. The first permanent molars are next. The last baby tooth usually is lost around 12 years of age.

Father and son enjoying healthy snack

 

How many teeth do people have?
People have a total of 32 permanent teeth ( adult teeth ).
As said above, children will have 20 primary teeth by the age of 3 typically.

Below you can view teeth charts to get a good view of when certain teeth will erupt.

Baby Teeth erupt chart

Types of teeth

Adult teeth eruption chart

 

 

 

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

Braces vs Invisalign

October 22nd, 2020

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.

 

Invisalign Clear Aligner

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

invisalign the clear alternative to braces care credit making care possible today

Hours of operation vary by location. Please click on your desired office location for specific details: