Will my teen still be able to play sports while wearing braces?

Yes, they can continue playing sports during orthodontic treatment for teens. If your teen wears braces, we may recommend an orthodontic mouthguard to help protect the teeth, lips and brackets during contact sports. Invisalign® Teen can also be removed when appropriate for certain athletic activities.

Will my teen be able to play a musical instrument with braces?

Usually, yes. Teens who play wind or brass instruments may need a short adjustment period after braces are placed, but most adapt with practice. If your teen is concerned about an instrument, let us know during the consultation so we can consider that when discussing options for orthodontic treatment for teens.

What if my teenager is not good about remembering to wear aligners?

Consistency matters with Invisalign® Teen because the aligners need to be worn as directed for treatment to stay on track. If remembering removable trays may be difficult, braces can sometimes be a better fit because they stay in place. We can help your family compare both options.

How do we choose between braces and Invisalign® Teen?

The best choice depends on your teen’s orthodontic needs, daily routine and preferences. Some teens like the flexibility and discreet appearance of Invisalign® Teen, while others prefer braces because they do not have to remember to wear anything. Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Czajka will review both options with you.

What can parents do to help their teen succeed with orthodontic treatment?

A little support goes a long way. Parents can help teens stay on top of brushing, appointments, elastic wear or aligner schedules and any food guidelines. Encouraging good habits without making treatment feel like a chore can help keep progress moving and make the overall experience easier for everyone.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Setting Your Child Up For a Healthy Smile

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7. At this age, children typically have a mixture of baby teeth and some permanent teeth.

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Young smile experience orthodontics patient brushing teeth during early orthodontic treatment in wayne, oak ridge, and florham park, nj

At their first orthodontic appointment, our board certified orthodontist, will assess the growth and development of your child’s jaw and teeth to determine if and when your child needs early orthodontic treatment.

Why Should My Child Visit An Orthodontist?

Although many children do not need early orthodontic treatment, a check-up with Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Nicole Czajka can catch any emerging issues and check the development of your child’s jaw. Development issues that are caught early at this age are corrected much more easily with less invasive, faster treatment options than waiting until children are older. Another benefit of early orthodontic evaluation is avoiding the problem worsening when left unresolved.

If your child sucks their thumb, pacifier or other object it is a good idea to visit us for periodic check ups, as these habits can affect jaw development and are much easier to correct with early orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about whether your child needs early treatment, our team are happy to answer them.

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Reasons For Early Orthodontic Treatment

Some potential problems that parents should be aware of in children include:

Underbite Or Crossbite In Front

In this situation, the lower front teeth jut out in front of the upper teeth, which can cause gum and bone issues as teeth develop.

Posterior Crossbite

The upper teeth in the back of the jaw sit inside the lower teeth. This condition can be caused by an upper jaw that may not be developing properly.

Overbite

The upper front teeth extend out excessively over the bottom teeth. These teeth are at greater risk for trauma.

Open Bite

Children with an open bite have front teeth that do not touch. This can often result from thumb or finger sucking.

Deep Bite

In this condition the upper teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth, which can cause excessive wear if not corrected.

Spacing

Teeth that are widely spaced or very crowded is an issue that should be corrected early.

Late Permanent Teeth

Sometimes permanent teeth do not erupt after the baby teeth fall out. Early intervention with Dr. Rosenberg can help guide the permanent teeth into position.

If our team notices a potential problem with your child’s bite, we may recommend Phase 1 treatment. In most cases, Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Nicole Czajka will simply recommend check-ups to monitor your child’s dental development until treatment is necessary.

Early Orthodontic Treatment At Smile Experience Orthodontics

Many orthodontic issues can be more easily corrected at a young age as the jaw is still growing. Our team may use a combination of the following treatment methods during early orthodontic treatment:

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is a type of orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw, or palate. It attaches to your child’s upper back teeth and sits against the roof of the mouth. By widening the palate, there will be enough room for the permanent teeth to erupt, and discrepancies between the upper and lower jaw will be fixed to create an ideal bite.

Braces or Partial Braces

Depending on your child’s age and their specific orthodontic concerns, it could be possible to pair an expander with braces as part of comprehensive treatment. However, when it comes to certain issues, including airway problems, using an expander as a phase 1 appliance will achieve the best outcome with braces to follow in a subsequent phase.

At Smile Experience Orthodontics, Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Nicole Czajka take every measure to make early orthodontic treatment as comfortable and efficient as possible. Our expanders are 3D-printed and do not require the use of bands and spacers. This ultimately leads to fewer in-person visits and a better treatment experience for the young patient.

Smile experience orthodontics team member preparing young patient for early orthodontic imaging in wayne, oak ridge, and florham park, nj

Do All Children Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Not all children require early orthodontic treatment. Your pediatric dentist may recommend your child see us, or as a parent you may be the first to notice a problem with your child’s teeth or bite. Many orthodontic issues can be addressed effectively during adolescence when the permanent teeth have erupted. However, in cases where early intervention is beneficial, orthodontic treatment can lead to more efficient and less invasive treatment later on.

How Natalie Felt About Her New Smile

How Kristin Felt About Her Daughter’s New Smile

FAQs About Early Orthodontic Treatment

It is completely normal to have questions about whether your child needs orthodontic care at a young age. At Smile Experience Orthodontics, our goal is to help parents understand what we are seeing, why we may recommend monitoring or treatment and what it could mean for your child’s developing smile.

Does my 7-year-old really need braces?

Not necessarily. An orthodontic visit around age 7 is mainly about checking how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing. Many children do not need treatment right away. If everything looks healthy, Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Nicole Czajka may simply recommend periodic check-ins as your child grows.

What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 orthodontic treatment?

Phase 1 treatment happens while a child is still growing and usually addresses a specific developing problem. Phase 2 treatment typically comes later, once more permanent teeth have erupted, and focuses on final tooth alignment and bite correction. Not every child who is evaluated early will need both phases.

What happens if we wait to treat an orthodontic problem?

Sometimes waiting is perfectly appropriate, which is why monitoring is such an important part of early orthodontic care. In other cases, a bite or jaw development issue may become harder to correct as your child grows. Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Czajka will explain whether treatment now or observation makes the most sense.

What signs should parents watch for at home?

It is worth scheduling an orthodontic evaluation if you notice your child’s teeth do not come together normally, permanent teeth seem delayed, crowding is developing or habits like thumb or finger sucking are continuing. You can also come see us any time something about your child’s bite or smile concerns you.

If my child has Phase 1 treatment, will they still need braces later?

They may. Early treatment is usually designed to address a specific problem while your child is still growing, rather than complete every part of orthodontic treatment. Some children later need braces or another treatment to fine-tune their smile once more permanent teeth have come in.

Ready To Schedule A Consultation?

Whether your child is just turning 7 years old or your child’s dentist has recommended you come see us, our experienced team are ready to help your child grow a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule a consultation today at our Wayne, Florham Park or Oak Ridge location by calling our team or using our online form.

Young orthodontic patients walking through smile experience orthodontics in wayne, oak ridge, and florham park, nj

The Experience You Deserve

Begin your smile journey with Smile Experience Orthodontics. Request an appointment at our conveniently located offices in Wayne, Florham Park or Oak Ridge, NJ. Our dedicated team will guide you through your remarkable transformation!

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FIND US

WAYNE OFFICE
150 Hinchman Ave., Suite 1, Wayne, NJ 07470

FLORHAM PARK OFFICE
128 Columbia Turnpike, Suite 203, Florham Park, NJ 07932

OAK RIDGE OFFICE
5677 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438

CONTACT US

Call Or Text Us (Oak Ridge and Wayne):
(973) 942-0900
Call or Text Us (Florham Park):
(973) 408-9183

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