Pittsgrove Early Treatment - Centerton Orthodontics

When does early orthodontics make sense for kids in NJ?

Orthodontic issues could happen to children at an early age. Because of this, parents need to be aware of this and catch them as soon as possible. Some children are excellent candidates for orthodontic treatment, even though they may still have some “baby teeth.”

Although most orthodontists recommend starting orthodontic treatment between age 7 and 11, if your child is younger than 7 and may be experiencing early orthodontic issues, it makes the best sense to see a pediatric orthodontist as soon as possible to assess any problems that may be developing.

Dr. Cohen, Dr. Kotecki, and the team at Centerton Orthodontics will help you determine the best time to correct your child’s orthodontic situation for a better smile.

When is early treatment is needed?

These are some of the signs that early treatment may be necessary due to jaw or muscle problems.

An unbalance profile
An overbite, underbite, crossbite, gummy smile, deep bite, or open bite
Overlapping or crowded teeth
Difficulty chewing
Open-mouth breathing
Speech problems
Tongue-thrusting (pushing the tongue against teeth while swallowing)
Thumb or finger-sucking after the age of 4
Jaw joint problems

A Large Upper Jaw or a Small Lower Jaw

In many children, the upper jaw is large or too far forward, or the lower jaw is small or too far back. This is called an overbite (upper protrusion or lower retrusion).

A Small Upper Jaw or a Large Lower Jaw

An upper jaw that’s too small is too far back or lower jaw that’s too large too far forward. This creates an underbite (upper retrusion or lower protrusion).

Short Arch or Narrow Palate

If the arch is not long enough, crowing of teeth may result. Or, if the palate isn’t wide enough, the upper teeth may fit inside the lower teeth (a crossbite).

Long Upper Jaw

An upper jaw that has excess vertical height may create a gummy smile. The opposite problem may also occur. If the upper jaw is too short vertically, teeth overlap, creating a deep bite.

Muscle Problems

The tongue is very strong that can move teeth if it pushes against them, especially during swallowing. Thumb or finger-sucking can have the same effect, creating an open bite (the teeth don’t meet)

Why is early intervention so important?

Early orthodontics depends on intervention as soon as possible. While the average age for children to start their orthodontic treatment ranges is around 12 years old, starting early can give your child a head start. It begins with visiting with a pediatric dentist who will be able to identify the orthodontic issues that may arise.

Children’s braces in NJ is considered one of the most reliable solutions. However, a pediatric orthodontist can be able to offer other options. This can include Invisalign for kids. Keep in mind the Invisalign option may be useful for orthodontic issues that are less than severe.

Also note that braces may be the best option for issues that Invisalign may not correct. Regardless, it is important to note that it will take time and consistent treatment in order to fix orthodontic issues. While there is no set timeline for early orthodontic treatment, it may vary from one patient to another due to the unique situations they face.

How does the early intervention process work?

Typically, an early orthodontic intervention process begins with a regular dental exam. A pediatric dentist in NJ will be able to determine any signs of orthodontic issues that may exist. If they are able to spot those signs, they can refer your child to an orthodontist that offers kids braces in NJ.

From there, your pediatric orthodontist will be able to perform an exam. This will help them get an idea of how a treatment plan will be created. They’ll provide you with options that will best serve your child’s orthodontic situation. Once a treatment plan is put together, a pediatric orthodontist in NJ will provide you with instructions that your child must follow throughout the process.

This includes making sure your child follows a regular oral health care plan. Children must brush their teeth twice a day and floss once daily. It is also important that your child eats a healthy diet. At the same time, it is imperative that they steer clear of any foods that may damage orthodontic appliances like hard candy.

As mentioned earlier, the timing of an early orthodontic treatment will vary from one child to another. While the average for children’s braces in NJ may take 18 to 24 months for treatment, there may be outliers who may need less or longer amounts of time.
Why early orthodontics and why now?
In short, the sooner early orthodontics intervention is in place, the better. It’s important that now may be the time to schedule an appointment for your child to see a pediatric dentist. Especially if you have concerns about your child’s oral health. An exam will reveal and confirm any orthodontic issues that may exist.

An orthodontist will move forward with a treatment plan. After it’s complete, your child will be able to enjoy plenty of benefits of a better smile. This also includes other benefits such as:

Easier oral health care, including preventative care against cavities, gum disease, etc.
An increased level of confidence from childhood to adulthood and beyond
Better jaw development as children go through adolescence and teenage years
Correct overcrowding and bite issues so it will be easier for them to eat

You can see that early orthodontics can correct these issues accordingly. Your children will experience the benefits of better teeth as they get older. However, they must follow a regular oral health care plan to ensure their teeth stay healthy for a long time.

Some of the benefits of early orthodontic treatment

Enhancing self-esteem by improving the child’s appearance with proper jaw and tooth alignment
Create a more stable long-term result, especially with severe bite problems
Shortening or improving the results of the second phase of treatment
Allowing for treatment at an age when some children are more cooperative
Helping prevent fractures to teeth that “stick out”
Attempting to minimize future jaw surgery
Lessen the chance of permanent tooth removal

Contact Centerton Orthodontics for early orthodontic intervention today.

Dr. Cohen, Dr. Kotecki, and the team at Centerton Orthodontics are here to help with any issues your child may have regarding their orthodontic situations. If your child is a good candidate for early orthodontic intervention, call or contact our Pittsgrove, NJ office to set an appointment. Our office number is 856-358-6800.