Effective Braces for Children in Paramus & River Edge
Many parents are under the impression that braces for children are only utilized once the permanent teeth have erupted. While many patients are in this age group, we believe that some problems are best addressed at a younger age before the adult teeth have emerged. At the practice of Robert V. Kinoian, DMD, we offer Phase 1 and Phase 2 orthodontics to help children enjoy a healthy bite and happy smiles at every age.
Dr. Kinoian is a trained specialist in orthodontics who can easily spot problems that may be developing. If caught early, many poor habits can be corrected with education and without an orthodontic procedure. Our practice offers an initial consultation and advice for your child free of charge and with no referral required. Contact us today and schedule a free orthodontic consultation to learn more about our reliable braces for children!
CALL US: (201) 967-8700 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Why Should My Child Get Braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a checkup for children no later than age seven. Although treatment at this age is uncommon, it's beneficial to have an early evaluation by a skilled doctor. Interceptive treatment is often suggested for young patients to help prevent or correct minor problems that are likely to worsen and cause additional complications if neglected.
Thumb and finger-sucking habits can be an issue, but if the patient stops by the time the front permanent teeth have erupted, there shouldn't be a problem. If these habits persist, they could affect the growth of the jaws and surrounding muscles. Upper jaws can become constricted, lower jaws can become set back, and the front teeth can develop an open bite where they no longer come together and overlap as they should.
These habits can also be corrected in adults, but younger patients are known to adapt more easily, and early treatment will help prevent a future with damaged teeth and jaws. Oftentimes, young patients stop doing these harmful habits after they've received a valuable explanation from Dr. Kinoian.
Signs Your Child May Need Interceptive Treatment
Many types of adolescent alignment issues can benefit from braces for children. Patients with a simple crossbite (upper front teeth inside the lower teeth) are typically good candidates for early intervention. While a crossbite can be corrected at any stage of life, it can be detrimental to the growth of the lower jaw if left untreated in younger patients. If the jaw is habitually placed to one side or set forward, the jaw will actually grow in each respective direction, resulting in treatment becoming more difficult as the patient gets older. Correcting a crossbite at an early age can eliminate the need for later treatment.
Another common interceptive treatment is to replace a prematurely missing baby tooth. Baby teeth are very important in maintaining the proper space for the developing permanent tooth, which is set to emerge from underneath. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the remaining teeth can shift, and sometimes the jaw can become misshapen. We can work to hold the space for a developing permanent tooth by performing a relatively inexpensive procedure that will prevent the need for other costly treatments later on.
Here are some additional problems that are commonly treated with interceptive orthodontic treatment, including braces for children:
- Open Bite – When the front teeth do not overlap or come together.
- Excessive Overjet – When the front teeth stick out too far.
- Underbite – When the lower front teeth are in front of the upper front teeth.
- Posterior Crossbites – When the back teeth on either or both sides do not overlap the lower teeth.
- Severely Crowded Front Teeth – This is an indicator of a jaw that is too small to fit the permanent teeth, and early treatment can make room to prevent extractions later.
- Missing Permanent Teeth – We find that the general dentist often misses these since x-rays, which look for cavities, are not designed to stop problems below the gums where the permanent teeth develop. Also, as an orthodontic specialist, Dr. Kinoian is alert to when teeth should be loose or erupting.
Our Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment for Children
The goal of Phase 1 treatment is to align and reshape the jaws to allow proper eruption of the permanent teeth while aligning the upper and lower front teeth. Phase 1 treatment benefits many patients by allowing them to chew and speak better, reducing the risk of breaking front teeth, and often helping to improve self-esteem.
- Phase 1 Early Treatment: While it is possible to correct crooked teeth at any age, early treatment is commonly recommended when the jaws are the wrong size, shape, or exist in an awkward position for the developing permanent teeth. This early treatment is done when the child still has many baby teeth and while growth is expected. Dr. Kinoian is a specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, and he's particularly qualified to make this type of assessment. He can show you, without charge, exactly what is required for the proper development of your child's jaws, face, gums, and teeth.
- Phase 2 Treatment: After Phase 1 Treatment, there is usually a time when the jaws are properly aligned, and so are the front teeth, but there are baby teeth on the sides. A second phase of treatment may be required to fine tune the remaining second teeth after they erupt, where braces are placed on all permanent teeth. Typically, braces for children requires a shorter time than if undergoing comprehensive full treatment since ample space already exists for the teeth and the jaws are properly aligned.
Quality Braces for Children in Paramus
We know that proper orthodontic care is ineffective with a "one size fits all" approach. Dr. Kinoian will explain what an ideal bite looks like, present how your child's alignment could improve, explain what is to be expected during treatment, and help you decide when the best timeframe is for this procedure.
At the practice of Robert V. Kinoian, DMD, we believe postponing braces for children will result in compromised oral health and fewer options as they get older. In younger patients, growth can be used to an advantage with the proper adjustments and dental appliances that will interfere less with your child's lifestyle than it would a teenager or adult. Dr. Kinoian's philosophy is to always try to do what's best for the patient. If the treatment takes longer but results in a more beautiful smile, then the patient and parent should have the option to pursue this. Contact our office today to receive a free consultation for your young one and learn more about our effective braces for children!
CALL US: (201) 967-8700 REQUEST APPOINTMENT