Braces For Kids Edison, NJ
Your Child’s Journey to a Perfect Smile
Braces for kids are crucial in addressing orthodontic issues early, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. At Smile Solutions Orthodontics, Dr. Chung and Dr. Epshteyn specialize in creating a positive and effective orthodontic experience for young patients using braces for kids in Edison, NJ.
Serving the communities of Edison, Millburn, and Union, NJ, our practice is dedicated to improving both the oral health and self-esteem of our young patients through personalized orthodontic care. Trust Smile Solutions Orthodontics to provide the compassionate care and advanced treatments your child deserves.
What are Braces and How Do They Work?
Components of Braces
Braces consist of several key components, each playing a vital role in the alignment process:
Brackets
These are small squares bonded directly to the front of each tooth. Brackets hold the archwires that move the teeth. They can be made of metal, ceramic, or other materials.
Archwires
These thin, metal wires are attached to the brackets and run along the entire set of braces. The archwires apply consistent pressure to the teeth, guiding them into the correct positions over time.
Bands
These are metal rings that fit around the molars and anchor the archwires to provide additional stability.
Ligatures
Also known as elastic ties or O-rings, these small rubber bands hold the archwires to the brackets. They come in various colors, allowing kids to customize the look of their braces.
Buccal Tubes
These are small metal parts attached to the bands on the last molar. They help secure the ends of the archwires.
Springs
These may be placed on the archwires between brackets to push, pull, open, or close spaces between the teeth.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
These are used to apply extra pressure to move the teeth and jaws into desired positions. They are typically used to correct bite alignment issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
How Braces Align Teeth
Initial Placement
During the first appointment, the orthodontist will clean and dry your child’s teeth before attaching the brackets using a special adhesive. Bands are placed around the molars, if necessary. Once the brackets and bands are in place, the archwires are threaded through the brackets and secured with ligatures.Applying Pressure
The archwires are designed to apply gentle, continuous pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired positions. This pressure causes the bone around the teeth to remodel, allowing the teeth to shift.Adjustments
Every four to six weeks, your child will visit the orthodontist for adjustments. During these visits, the orthodontist will tighten the archwires, replace ligatures, and make any necessary modifications to ensure the teeth continue moving correctly. These regular adjustments are crucial for the success of the treatment.Elastics and Other Appliances
If additional pressure is needed to correct bite alignment, the orthodontist may recommend using elastics or other orthodontic appliances. These tools work together with the braces to achieve comprehensive alignment.
Alignment Issues Braces Can Address
Braces are highly effective in addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues in children, including:- Overcrowding
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open Bites
- Spacing Issues
- Jaw Misalignment
Signs Your Child Might Need Braces
Determining whether your child needs braces can sometimes be challenging. However, several signs can indicate the need for orthodontic treatment. Recognizing these signs early can help ensure timely intervention, leading to more effective and less complicated treatments.
Some common indicators that your child might need braces include:
- Early Loss of Primary Teeth: If your child loses their baby teeth too early or too late, it can affect the alignment of their permanent teeth.
- Difficulty Biting or Chewing: Issues with biting or chewing food can be a sign of misaligned teeth or jaws.
- Mouth Breathing: Persistent mouth breathing, especially at night, can indicate a jaw alignment issue.
- Thumb-Sucking: Prolonged thumb-sucking past the age of four can lead to misaligned teeth and jaws.
- Overcrowded Teeth: If your child’s teeth are crowded, it may be difficult for them to maintain proper oral hygiene, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Jaws That Shift, Protrude, or Recede: Noticeable jaw alignment issues, such as a protruding or receding jaw, often require orthodontic treatment.
- Teeth That Do Not Meet Properly: If your child’s teeth do not meet correctly when their mouth is closed, it could indicate an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
- Disproportionate Jaw or Teeth: A significant difference in the size of the upper and lower jaws or teeth can cause issues with bite and appearance.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to consult with an orthodontist
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment can make a significant difference in a child’s oral health and overall well-being. Addressing alignment issues early on, typically around the age of seven, allows orthodontists to guide the growth and development of the jaw and teeth, preventing more severe problems later in life.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Prevents Severe Issues
Early intervention can correct problems such as overcrowding, misaligned jaws, and improper bites before they become more severe. This can reduce the need for more extensive and invasive treatments in the future.
Guides Proper Jaw Growth
Early treatment can help ensure the jaw grows correctly, which is crucial for proper bite alignment and facial symmetry. This can prevent issues like underbites and overbites from developing or worsening.
Improves Oral Health
Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Early treatment can help establish a foundation for good oral hygiene practices.
Boosts Self-Esteem
A healthy, beautiful smile can significantly boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Addressing alignment issues early can help children feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance.
Reduces Treatment Time
Early treatment can often shorten the overall duration of orthodontic care. By addressing issues when the teeth and jaws are still developing, orthodontists can achieve better results more quickly.
Risks of Delaying Treatment
Allowing alignment issues to go untreated can lead to more severe problems as a child grows. These can include more significant misalignments, an increased risk of dental decay and gum disease, and potential jaw pain or discomfort. Delayed treatment can also result in more complicated and lengthy orthodontic procedures later in life.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Kids
Metal braces are the most traditional and commonly used type of braces. They consist of metal brackets attached to each tooth, connected by a wire. Today’s metal braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than those of the past. Many kids enjoy personalizing their braces with colorful bands, making the experience more fun and engaging.
Benefits of Metal Braces:
- Highly effective for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues
- Durable and resistant to damage
- Often the most cost-effective option
Damon braces are a modern alternative to traditional metal braces. They use a self-ligating system, which means that the wire is connected to the brackets without the need for elastic bands. This design allows for quicker adjustments and can result in shorter treatment times.
Benefits of Damon Braces:
- Smaller and more discreet than traditional metal braces
- Easier to clean and maintain
- Can reduce treatment time and the number of adjustment appointments needed
Ceramic braces are similar in design to metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets, making them less noticeable. They are an excellent option for children who are concerned about the appearance of traditional metal braces.
Benefits of Ceramic Braces:
- Less visible than metal braces
- Blend in with the natural color of teeth
- Effective for most orthodontic treatments
SureSmile is an advanced orthodontic treatment that uses 3D imaging and robotic technology to create customized archwires for precise tooth movement. This technology allows for a more efficient and comfortable treatment process.
Benefits of SureSmile:
- Customized treatment for optimal results
- Can reduce overall treatment time
- Increased comfort due to precision-engineered archwires
Why Choose Smile Solutions Orthodontics for Your Child's Braces?
Choosing the right orthodontist for your child’s braces is a significant decision, and Smile Solutions Orthodontics stands out with its commitment to excellence and patient-focused care. Dr. Chung and Dr. Epshteyn, with their specialized training and experience in pediatric orthodontics, ensure that your child receives the highest standard of care.
Our practice creates a kid-friendly environment to ease any anxiety children might feel, with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff from the moment you walk in. We also use state-of-the-art technology and the latest orthodontic techniques to provide effective and comfortable treatments.
Each treatment plan is customized to address your child’s unique orthodontic issues and goals, with clear communication and involvement of both parents and children throughout the process. We also offer free consultations to assess your child’s needs and discuss potential treatment options, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
