Kinder Smiles in Bergen County NJ believes every child deserves the best treatment. Parents may not realize that their kids can benefit from orthodontic care. So, what do orthodontists do for kids? Teens and adults are not the only ones who can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Even children should see an orthodontist for the purpose of early treatment that can prevent minor misalignments from becoming worse and more challenging to treat as they get older.
What Is An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist in the dental field who has the additional education and training necessary to diagnose, prevent, and correct misalignments of the teeth and jaws that affect our bite. Orthodontists attend and graduate dental school before going on to focus on orthodontics. Problems orthodontists treat include underbite, overbite, crossbite, open bite, gaps between teeth, crookedness, and overcrowding. Treatments to correct these problems usually includes braces, clear aligners, and other devices.
When Should A Child See An Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents take their kids to receive an orthodontic exam after their seventh birthday when the first permanent teeth begin erupting. We want to check these early teeth to ensure they are developing correctly and determine whether interceptive orthodontics is necessary.
What Is Interceptive Orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics is just a fancier term meaning early orthodontic treatment. The goal of early orthodontic treatment is to get ahead of problems before they become more challenging to treat and can begin causing additional health issues such as trouble chewing and speaking.
There are two phases of early treatment, the first of which occurs after the child turns 7. This treatment usually lasts around 12 months. After a rest period of two or three years, the next phase begins when the child turns 12 or 13. By then, your child has most or all of their permanent teeth, and their problem is not as severe as it could have been without early treatment.
Does My Child Need A Referral?
Your child will likely need a referral for orthodontic treatment. Kinder Smiles works closely with The Schulhof Center in Oradell, also located in Bergen County. Dr. Adam Schulhof and Dr. Darryl Engel often work together to provide the best care possible to patients who need orthodontic treatment. If Dr. Engel determines that orthodontic care is right for your child, he’ll make the referral.
What Do Orthodontists Do For Kids?
Orthodontists basically do the same thing for kids that they do for teens and adults, only the treatment is earlier in their lives when the teeth and jaws are still developing and are more manipulable. There is a range of treatment options to correct teeth and jaw misalignments, any of which may be appropriate to treat the problem.
Treatments
-
Space Maintainer
A space maintainer is a device orthodontists use during the first phase of early treatment. The purpose of this device is to maintain space between two teeth so they do not obstruct the eruption of the adult tooth that will fill the gap. Without it, teeth on either side could shift into the space and cause problems.
-
Palatal Expander
Maybe your child’s upper jaw is not wide enough to accommodate all of their adult teeth. If that’s the case, a palatal expander is a device that will gradually widen the jaw to make the necessary room. This is also a phase one treatment.
-
Traditional Braces
While your child may receive limited braces during the first phase of early treatment, a full set of traditional braces may be necessary during the second phase. Brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth using a special adhesive. An archwire anchors the brackets and is the mechanism Dr. Schulhof tightens to maintain pressure on the teeth to shift them into proper alignment. Elastic bands also provide additional support and pressure.
-
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as traditional braces, only they are made from different materials so that the brackets and archwire can be clear or match your child’s natural tooth color for a more discreet appearance.
-
Self-Ligating Braces
An innovative braces design, self-ligating braces feature a special door on each bracket that clips the archwire into place, allowing easier access to the wire for tightening. This reduces the time patients spend in the chair during appointments and there is no need for elastic bands.
-
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are different because the brackets are bonded to the back of the teeth instead of the front, making treatment undetectable.
-
Invisalign
This is a series of clear aligners that work the same way as braces, only the aligners are removable. You wear them for 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every two weeks. They are easier to clean and there are no dietary restrictions.
-
Retainer
Patients usually must wear a retainer for several months after their treatment is complete to prevent teeth from shifting back. Eventually, you’ll only have to wear it at night.
How Can My Child Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment?
Children absolutely can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Treatment is not necessary for all kids, but nearly 20 percent of them benefit in one way or another. These benefits include improving facial appearance, straight teeth, avoiding more expensive treatment, boosting self-confidence, and a happy and healthy smile.
What Is The Cost Of Orthodontic Treatment?
The cost of early treatment can vary from patient to patient. Generally, the first phase of treatment costs a few hundred dollars. The second phase of treatment will cost more because braces and clear aligners run between $3,500 to $8,000 or more. The final cost depends on the severity of the problem and which treatment is necessary. Kinder Smiles and The Schulhof Center offer affordable monthly payment plans and dental insurance can cut the cost even more.
Contact Kinder Smiles Today!
If your child is 7 or older and has not seen an orthodontist yet, now is the perfect time to schedule that first examination. Treating orthodontic problems early is the best strategy. To make an appointment call our Bergen County office at 551-210-4012 today!