Orthodontics / Braces
Orthodontics in South Plainfield, NJ, is for people of all ages with misaligned, crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth. The treatment is also appropriate for those with an overbite or an underbite. Having an overbite means that the upper row of teeth sticks out further than the lower row of teeth while having an underbite means just the opposite.
The orthodontic team at Pediatrics on Park normally waits until a child has lost all baby teeth before applying braces to their permanent teeth. However, we may be able to start earlier in certain situations. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children visit an orthodontist at age seven to determine if they will need care in the future.
Who is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment in South Plainfield, NJ?
Most kids and teens with one or more of the orthodontic issues listed above can benefit from wearing braces or clear aligners. However, braces may not be right for your child if excessive gum disease or tooth decay is present. Once a dentist treats those issues, your child should be able to proceed with orthodontic treatment as planned.
Some patients need one or more teeth extracted before receiving braces or starting to wear clear aligners. Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to provide additional space for the remaining teeth to shift. Other patients may require a palatal expander prior to receiving braces to widen the upper jaw in anticipation of wearing braces within the next several months to a few years. Wearing a retainer after having the braces removed is also a possibility.
What Are the Different Types of Braces?
Today’s orthodontic patients have more choices than ever regarding what they wear on their teeth during treatment. Below are brief descriptions of the options available.
Traditional metal braces
This orthodontic treatment consists of brackets applied to each individual tooth and a thin wire called an archwire that connects all the brackets together. The braces and wires pressure the teeth to move into proper alignment. Patients who receive standard braces typically visit our practice once a month to have their brackets and wires adjusted.
Clear or colored brackets can make some children more accepting of orthodontic treatment since it gives them a chance to express their individuality. Patients wear traditional braces for around two years, although some require more time and others require less time. Our orthodontist will provide you and your child with an estimated total treatment time during the initial consultation.
Clear aligners
Customized clear aligners fit over the top and bottom rows of teeth and apply pressure to the teeth to move just as traditional metal braces do. We take impressions of your child’s teeth during the consultation, and then our laboratory creates a customized set of clear aligners according to the treatment plan established by our orthodontist. Your child wears each aligner in the set for up to two weeks and then replaces it with the next one until reaching the last aligner.
Patients appreciate clear aligners because they are discreet and removable, but your child should wear an aligner all day and all night. You should only allow your child to remove the aligners when eating and cleaning them.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation Today
If you are ready to learn more about orthodontics in South Plainfield, NJ, we invite you to contact Pediatrics on Park to schedule an initial appointment. We will take X-rays, inspect your child’s teeth and gums, and answer all your questions about starting orthodontic treatment with our pediatric dental practice.
