tmj

Early signs I need to take my child to an orthodontist

March 4th, 2023

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.

    • 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.

    Are braces necessary or cosmetic?

    August 19th, 2022

    Are braces necessary or cosmetic?

    Both. Braces serve multiple purposes
    and are highly effective to correct several
    pressing and important dental issues to can
    carry on for life if not treated.

    S1: Correcting bites so you can chew better
    S2: Straightening teeth
    S3: Help to avoid tooth decay due to misalignment
    S4: The beautiful smile you’ll have at the end is a bonus.

    Its a common curiosity for parents
    to wonder if braces are purely cosmetic.
    Braces are not just cosmetic.
    They happen to be necessary for several reasons

    Common Problems that require treatment with braces:
    The top teeth should always come over the bottom teeth.
    1. Cross Bite
    2. Open Bite (thumb suckers)(extended pacifier)
    3. Underbite
    4. Overbite/ overjet
    Both overbite and underbite signifies that either the
    top or lower jaw has not fully developed yet.
    These issues can lead to others such as TMJ and sleep apnea.
    5. Misaligned or rotated back or front teeth
    6. Tooth spacing
    7. Tooth crowding
    8. Mal-positioned teeth
    9. Unerupted or impacted teeth

    How can braces benefit your child?
    Prevent future issues such as:
    Sleep apnea
    Night time grinding teeth
    TMJ
    Tooth Decay

    When teeth are straightened, it is much easier to
    brush the teeth and floss. This helps to prevent tooth decay.
    Cavities can develop is bacteria stays logged in the teeth.

    Braces help with TMJ issues and Sleep apnea

    Facial structures can be affected by misaligned teeth and
    can also be fixed by braces as the braces restore the
    facial appearance while straightening the teeth.

    Some may wonder if braces make teeth weak.
    braces utilize controlled force to straighten teeth which
    includes re-modelling the bone structure around the teeth as well.
    This let's us know that they do in fact move but they once again
    become firm in their sockets.

    Orthodontic treatment is safe and does not make the teeth weak.

    Braces can restore your facial aesthetics, smile and
    realign your teeth. So they are both necessary
    and cosmetic.

    Overall, as dental professionals we aim to
    identify underlying issues and diagnose and monitor these conditions early ,and can easily fix them with braces, or other orthodontic appliances.
    This will help to prevent future decay and discomfort.

    Multiple factors:
    Child’s medical history,
    Not fixing their Smile, timing, and cost can influence long-term effects

    Looking for the best kids dentist near the Paterson, Passaic, and Union City areas?
    We are here serving Paterson, Passaic, and Hudson NJ,
    Dover 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

     

    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: