If your child does not like his or her smile, visit our Long Branch dental office for orthodontics for children. We enjoy working with children and helping shape their smiles into something truly beautiful. Children can usually begin with early orthodontic treatments as young as 6 or 7 years of age. By the time they are older, they may be a good candidate for traditional braces and be able to straighten their teeth. We encourage you to bring your child in, regardless of what age the child is, so we can make recommendations and monitor the growth and development of their teeth.

4 Problems Solved by orthodontics for children

#1.Hyperdontia

If a child is born with one or more additional teeth than necessary, then the child struggles with hyperdontia. This condition is actually fairly common, with most cases only involving one additional tooth. Typically, the tooth requires removal during the orthodontic treatment.

#2.Overcrowding

A leading cause of crooked teeth, overcrowding is an issue when the palate is simply not large enough to hold all the teeth in a correct position. When this happens, the teeth are forced to turn sideways and grow in crooked. Genetics play a role in this, as do accidents, with teeth subsequently moving out of position. In any case, we can work to expand the palate using a palate expander or to create space between teeth by using metal spacers. Once there is enough room for their teeth, they can begin to be straightened using braces.

#3.Crooked teeth

If children have crooked teeth, this can negatively impact their appearance and put them at risk for additional health problems. Food can become trapped between crooked teeth, creating additional opportunities for cavities and infections — something children do not need any extra help with. By straightening their teeth, we can give the child a better smile and work to improve their oral health at the same time.

#4.Overbites, underbites, and crossbites

Jaw problems are incredibly common. An overbite, underbite, or crossbite can create oral health problems because it can put strain and pressure on your teeth, causing them to wear out too quickly or suffer from basic erosion. This is in addition to the negative impact a misaligned jaw can have on one’s appearance. The good news is that we can correct it.

Why You Should Visit our Long Branch dentist office for orthodontics for children

We are friendly and we love kids. That is step #1. As a parent, this is something you will want to take into consideration because having a child excited about and involved in their treatment is an excellent way to get started. We work with children on their level, explaining the process, helping them to understand what to expect, and showing them the valuable contribution they can make to the treatment process. Most kids will rise to the occasion and make the effort when given the chance. We view this as a team effort between the three of us, and working together, we can give them a beautiful smile in no time.