Braces
If your kid’s teeth are crooked or misaligned, creating an awkward smile, it’s time to search for braces for teens near me in New Jersey or in New York City. You’ll find Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Woodbridge and Manhattan. They’re experts in working with adolescents and teens. Braces are a common solution for straightening teeth and creating beautiful smiles. And if you’re worried what braces cost in New Jersey, you’re in luck, as this dental practice offers financing. Call today for a consultation.
What Are Braces?
Braces are an orthodontic device that helps straighten misaligned, crooked or badly spaced teeth. Around 4.5 million Americans wear braces to correct dental alignment issues every year. About 80 percent of those are children between the ages of six and 18 years old.
The American Dental Association advises all parents to get their children’s teeth checked for alignment or bite issues by the age of seven. This also ensures that any oral health problems like tooth decay, plaque or even sensitive teeth are caught early on and treated immediately. The preventative dentistry services at Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry promote good dental health through regular check-ups at one of their locations — in Woodbridge, New Jersey, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and in Harlem.
Crowded teeth. Due to space constraints in the mouth, your child’s permanent teeth may not come in properly aligned.
Missing teeth. Sometimes, baby teeth are so badly decayed that a premature tooth extraction is the only option. The gap left by the tooth causes problems when permanent teeth erupt, especially if you didn’t use space maintainers.
Extra teeth. This condition is caused by a genetic disorder. Your kid has more permanent teeth than normal, leading to crowding.
An overbite. This is when the upper front teeth jut out.
An underbite. This condition is when the lower front teeth jut out.
An open bite. When the upper and lower jaws don’t align properly when closed, it’s an open bite.
Misaligned or incorrect jaw position. This condition is often caused by dental trauma.
A disorder of the jaw joint. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a painful, restrictive condition affecting the joints, muscles and ligaments of the jaw.
Teeth grinding. When your kid grinds, gnashes or clenches teeth unconsciously, it’s a condition called bruxism. Braces help stop this problem, but your child may need to wear a mouth guard to prevent damaging the braces.
How Do I Get Braces for My Kids?
If you’re wondering when to start braces, the answer depends on the condition of your child’s teeth and the amount of misalignment. For most teens, the procedure starts between 10 to 14 years of age. This may cause dental anxiety, since one in every two teens dread the traditional metal braces due to aesthetic and social reasons. Invisible braces, reverse braces and Invisalign aligners are alternatives to metal braces.
The dentist examines you child’s teeth for signs of decay. Once the teeth are healthy, the procedure for braces follows several general steps, including:
1. During your first visit to Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, your child may get x-rays to get a clearer picture of the teeth alignment.
2. The dentist then takes a mold of your kid’s teeth to get an imprint.
3. At the next in-office appointment, brackets are fitted on each tooth, through which a wire is passed. The brackets may be made of clear ceramics or metal.
1. In some instances, your child may even be fitted with a rubber band to increase the pressure on specific stubborn back teeth.
2. Periodically, your child needs to return to the dentist for adjustments. As the teeth move, the braces must be tightened to maintain tension and pressure.
How Do I Care for My Braces?
Care for kids with fixed braces continues. Your child needs to follow strict oral hygiene habits to avoid emergency visits. Brushing and flossing after every meal, as well as avoiding foods that stick easily to the braces, become everyday necessities. But when the braces come off, you get to see your child’s natural beautiful smile.
Your child must wear the braces for 18 to 24 months, after which upper and/or lower retainers must be worn until the teeth set into their new position. To discover what braces cost in New Jersey, ask your pediatric dentist. It usually depends on the material, brand and type of braces you choose. Contact Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, which offers competitive rates from a top-quality professional staff who know how to work with kids of all ages.
