Orthodontic treatments vary from dental treatment, in that they primarily address malocclusions, jaw spacing and tooth alignment, rather than the actual health of the teeth. That is why it is often more difficult for parents to determine when a child needs orthodontic treatment rather than dental treatment. So how can you know it is time to take your child to the orthodontist? • Bad Bite – As the adult teeth begin to replace primary teeth, bite occlusions can develop. These often become visible to parents between middle childhood and the pre-teen years, although an orthodontist can identify a bad bite with early evaluation. • Visible Tooth Crowding – If your child’s newly emerging teeth are already crowded, you should make […]
Visibly crooked teeth are not the only reason to take your child into the orthodontist. There are some subtle things to look for as well, which may indicate the onset of more serious orthodontic issues. Many orthodontic issues are much easier to address if treated and corrected during a child’s development. Waiting until facial development is complete or until the permanent teeth have come in can make correction of many orthodontic issues more challenging. Both children and adults can benefit from orthodontic care at any age, but addressing issues early is almost always the ideal choice. If you’re wondering if you or your child might have need for orthodontic care, there are some things you can be on the lookout […]
Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see us for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven? That’s right—seven. Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Banasiak & Nettune to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and […]
You may have heard that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as young as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not as self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early. Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young. Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years […]
Basking Ridge
