Category: Post

FOR CHILDREN & TEENS: Best time to get braces? This Summer. Get $1,000 off Invisalign or a full set of Damon braces

Sure Summer is a time for fun and games, late nights, adventures and no homework. But it’s also the perfect time to finally address something you’ve been meaning to do — like getting braces. In fact, in my years of orthodontics, I’d say summertime is one of the best times for teens and children to get their braces on.

Why? Well, some young folks have apprehension about getting braces on for the first time — Will it hurt? How will it look? What new habits will I have to adapt to? Between school, homework, sports and friends— do I even have the time to see an orthodontist? While almost all of my patients tell me that getting braces is much easier and less discomforting than they imagined, they seem to adjust even better outside of the pressures of the school year. By the time September rolls around, most kids and teens have gotten used to having braces, have solid hygiene habits established, and are far less self-conscious about their appearance.

I’ve also sweetened the deal this Summer for parents: Patients 18 and under will receive a $1,000 discount on a full set Invisalign or Damon braces if they have them installed by August 1, 2014. To take advantage of this offer, simply mention “Blog Discount”when you visit our office at any one of our four locations: Mill Basin, Brooklyn; Forest Hills, Queens; or Cedarhurst, Long Island.

Probably quicker, easier and more comfortable than you realize

The Damon System is generally considered the least irritating method of braces, featuring smooth and comfortable aligners. Patients feel less discomfort during the initial adjustment period as well. Invisalign, or “the invisible braces,” have been an increasingly popular option for people of all ages wishing to have straighter teeth and a more confident smile —and it is an especially ideal choice for teenagers.

Make an appointment for a consultation to find out more about each option.

We have locations in Mill Basin, Brooklyn; Forest Hills, Queens; and Cedarhurst, Long Island. Our goal is to help create even more beautiful smiles all over New York this Summer— but hurry. You have until August 1 for your $1,000 discount.

In the early weeks, which are crucial, typically the teeth are sore and patients will slowly adjust to their changing bite. This will make it difficult to eat some favorite foods.

Once a patient begins to get used to the treatment, there will be a period where it is okay to try different foods with braces. The turnaround time for patients to start eating their favorite foods normally is around two weeks. This can vary for some but always consult the orthodontists beforehand.

But, with braces, all foods are not created equal.

There are foods that can be safely eaten with braces and there are foods that will need to be avoided. Patients will need to pay special attention and avoid all foods that could break, bend or damage their new braces. Their ability to comply with the food instructions will have a direct impact on how well the treatment finishes.

WHAT FOODS OR FOOD TEXTURE CAN BE ENJOYED

• Soft fruit
• Cooked vegetables
• Soft cooked grains, soft crusted bread
• Milk and yogurt
• Lean, tender meat, tofu
• Smooth nut spreads
• Eating a variety of foods
• Soups

WHAT FOODS SHOULD BE AVOIDED OR AT LEAST BE CAUTIOUS OF

• Hard fruit
• Hard raw vegetables or hard-cooked vegetables like corn on the cob
• Unground whole grains, hard-crusted bread
• Meat from the bone
• Whole or chunky nuts and seeds
• Candy
• Chips

LET’S TALK ABOUT WHY EATING CANDY IS NOT A GREAT IDEA

Candy isn’t an official food group, but let’s face it most people do enjoy the occasional candy from time to time. But eating candy can be very destructive to your braces, and possibly to the tooth’s surface as well.

Candy can be broken into two groups: hard and sticky. Morsels of toffee will adhere to the brackets and bands, which can easily break them off. Hard chocolate-covered nuts will do similar damage similar to their stick counterpart. Gummy candy will bend archwires and get stuck under your braces attachments.

Eating candy should be avoided during your orthodontic treatment. Teeth are more vulnerable to decay while in braces, therefore eliminating excessive sugar is very important during your treatment.

While candy may be a favorite for most, moderation is the best route to practice. However, for anyone who wears braces candy can become stuck. This is something no one wants to experience because the pain could be involved.

When the wrong foods are eaten regularly, patients are at risk of extending their treatment time frame. As orthodontists, the back molars are where we see the majority of broken brackets and this can delay your treatment if it happens often. This needs to be avoided at all costs.

Patients should consult with their orthodontist first to ask what foods should be avoided completely and for how long. Following instructions means that the patient will receive the best outcome when braces are involved.

ASK AN ORTHODONTIST!

If you are unsure about what steps to take when it comes to orthodontic care, by all means, comment, send us a message, or call us to ask any questions! Check out our latest article that talks about what questions have been asked before.

ORTHODONTIC CARE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE LOCATIONS

If anyone is needing to visit our orthodontic care center, visit Amazing Smiles Orthodontist with convenient locations in Long Island,  Brooklyn, and Queens, NY. Amazing Smiles honors payment plans such as payment installments, insurance, flexible spending programs, and third-party financing.

If you’re looking for the fastest way to the most amazing smile, the AcceleDent® teeth straightening process may be a smart option. I’ve been using AcceleDent® orthodontics on my patients for the past six months, ever since I saw a demo video showcasing it and I’m thrilled with the results. I see more predictable movements, even with stubborn teeth. And my patients report that wearing the AcceleDent® device is “very relaxing.” Some say it even feels like their teeth “are being massaged.”

The best part is that I am able to progress to the next set of aligners within one week, as opposed to two weeks without AcceleDent® use. This means that it significantly decreases treatment time. That’s important to my patients.

AcceleDent® is a class II medical device used in concert with braces or aligners to move teeth up to twice as quickly. Safe, easy-to-use, light-weight and hands-free, AcceleDent® is clinically proven. Cleared by the the U.S. FDA in 2009, AcceleDent® is only available by prescription from different orthodontist or clinics.

HERE IS HOW ACCELEDENT® WORKS

Patients bite gently on the mouthpiece for 20 minutes each day. They apply it right over and around their existing braces and aligners. The device emits a gentle pulsation to stimulate (and speed up) the movement of your teeth. These tiny vibrations are called “micropulses” and make up AcceleDent’s unique SoftPulse Technology.® These micropulses exert far less force than a power toothbrush. Faster tooth movement may decrease the duration of your orthodontic treatment with fixed braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign and Invisalign Teen®. It may also help to make your orthodontics more comfortable.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Most patients who already have braces or aligners and who have a healthy bone structure are candidates for AcceleDent®. If you are considering getting your teeth straightened but don’t know what treatment plan is best, come in for a consultation. We’ll give you an assessment of your oral and facial functions, photographs of the interior of your mouth, X-rays and dental impressions to determine your bite and prepare models for the teeth.

BENEFITS OF ACCELEDENT®

• Shortened time to straighten teeth—up to half the time!
• Less discomfort (some even like the feeling)
• Fewer orthodontic visits overall, as treatment time will be lessened
• Reduced chance of calcification (calcium deposits on your teeth)

60-DAY GUARANTEE REFUND

AcceleDent® is currently running a 60-day money back satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with AcceleDent or your progress, bring it back for a full refund. 

Let’s get you on the fast track for an amazing smile. With locations in Mill Basin, Brooklyn; Forest Hills, Queens; and Cedarhurst, Long Island, we are at your service— and convenience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for orthodontics and/or AcceleDent. For a faster response, call us at 718-275-3200.

Visit http://rockwestdental.ca/for more information.

One can usually see the degree of an individual’s overbite by looking at them smile. If there is a greater than 50% vertical overlap of their top and bottom teeth, they have an excessive overbite.

WHAT IS AN OVERBITE?

Overbite teeth are also called “bucked teeth.” Many people believe buck teeth are when an individual’s two front teeth are oversized, but this is not usually the case. Most buck teeth result from the misalignment of the teeth, which occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. Its occurrence is dependent on how many of your upper teeth cover your lower teeth. Severe overbite or malocclusion occurs when there is a change to greater than 50% overlap.

WHAT CAUSES AN OVERBITE?

Genetics plays a significant factor if you have an overbite or not. Such genetic features that can cause an overbite to include:

• Missing, extra, or impacted teeth

If you have extra or broken teeth, it can cause misalignment. Crowding or large spaces between teeth can cause an overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower. Missing teeth cause your remaining teeth to shift, resulting in buck teeth.

• Tongue-thrusting

Tongue-thrusting is when one presses their tongue up against their front teeth to the point where their teeth move. Such a habit can cause an open bite to develop. The condition occurs mainly in children and often results from swollen tonsils and poor swallowing habits. Sometimes tongue-thrusting happens during sleep, so an individual doesn’t even understand the problem exists before it’s too late.

• Tumor and cysts of the jaw or mouth

Tumors and cysts in the jaw cause pain. The bony tissue in the upper jaw causes your teeth to move forward. If this persistent swelling continues, it can cause the misalignment of your teeth and change the shape of your jaw and mouth.

• Overbite from thumb-sucking or pacifier use

Thumb sucking is often an issue among young children. The pressure caused by the sucking can cause a child’s permanent teeth to come in at abnormal angles.

Sucking a pacifier can also cause an open bite. Research shows that pacifier is associated with a higher risk of developing malocclusion than thumb-sucking.

What are the symptoms of an overbite?

Some patients may experience minor and severe signs such as:

• Headaches
• Difficulty chewing and eating properly
• Lockjaw
• Popping noises from the jaw when you close or open your mouth
• Jaw shiftiness making it hard to close and open your mouth
• Persistent earaches

DIFFERENT TYPES OF OVERBITES

You may wonder: “What kind of an overbite do I have?” Typically, an overbite falls into two categories: horizontal and vertical.

A vertical overbite occurs when the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth. A horizontal overbite occurs when the top teeth extend past the bottom teeth and this is formerly known as Overjet.

The types of overbites are:

CASE 1 BITE

Class 1 malocclusion is the most common and occurs when the molar position is normal but the other teeth are not aligned properly. Such an overbite can result in:

• Gaps between the teeth
• Open bite
• Overcrowded teeth
• Asymmetry
• Rotated teeth

CASE 2 BITE

A Class 2 overbite occurs when the upper molars are too far forward compared to the lower molars. Such an overbite is often a result of an underdeveloped lower jaw or an overly prominent upper jaw.

Class 2 malocclusion further falls into two categories;

• Division 1 means the molars are in class 2 position, and the anterior teeth are protruding. The lower lip rests behind the upper teeth, and often people with this overbite experience a slackening of the lips.
• Division 2 means the molars are also in the class 2 position, but the soft tissues in the mouth and face exert pressure that tilts the incisors towards the palate.

CASE 3 BITE

Class 3 malocclusions occur when lower molars are positioned too far forward compared to the upper molars. Oral professionals sometimes refer to class 3 overbite as prognathism (protruding lower jaw), and people with this underbite usually have an extremely pronounced chin.

Class 3 overbite is further categorized into;

• Skeletal class 3 malocclusion occurs when the entire jaw is misaligned due to a growing problem.
• Dental class 3 overbite happens when the lower teeth are too far forward compared to the upper teeth.

WHAT ARE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR A BITE CORRECTION?

1. Braces

Overbite Braces and clear aligners are common treatments for an overbite. Traditional braces are made from ceramic and metal. The braces are attached to each tooth and connected with a wire. The aligners also straighten crowded teeth and a misaligned jaw.

2. Invisalign

Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners custom-made for your teeth. Invisalign for overbite treatment is common among teenagers and adults.

3. Palate expansion

Palatial expanders are special appliances attached to the upper molars used by children or adolescents whose upper jaws are too small to accommodate adult teeth.

4. Jaw surgery

For severe Overbite or Overjet cases, an individual must undergo surgery to correct the upper and lower jaw alignment.

How much does overbite treatment cost?

On average, overbite treatment in Brooklyn, NY is $5000 to $10,000. Orthognathic surgery can cost up to $50,000, but patients with health insurance may be covered in some cases. If you have questions about treatment options for your overbite and live in Forest Hills, Cedarhurst, or Brooklyn, contact Amazing Smiles to review your options and create a customized treatment plan.

Wisdom teeth grow at the back of your gums and are usually the last to erupt, typically in an individual’s teenage or young adult years.

Wisdom teeth take up a lot of room in a person’s mouth and often emerge at an angle due to the lack of space. Most anthropologists believe humans have evolved beyond needing wisdom teeth, so some people don’t have them.

Genetics plays a crucial role in if or how wisdom teeth emerge in an individual’s mouth. Often, wisdom teeth don’t push through the gums but can still cause pain. A dentist or orthodontist will take an X-ray to confirm if you have wisdom teeth or not.

WHAT ARE INVISALIGN BRACES?

Invisalign braces are clear aligners developed from computer-generated impressions and images taken from your mouth by your orthodontist and their team to align the position of your teeth.

Clear aligners are effective and often preferred to metal braces. Invisalign braces are popular because:

• They are comfortable and easy to remove.
• Clear aligners are discreet and have a nearly invisible look.
• They whiten teeth during treatment.
• Maintenance of removable liners is simple.

CAN YOU GET INVISALIGN IF YOU STILL HAVE WISDOM TEETH?

Many young adults who want Invisalign wonder if they need to get their wisdom teeth removed before getting these braces.

Orthodontists suggest patients remove wisdom teeth before getting Invisalign treatment. This is because emerging wisdom teeth can disrupt the teeth aligning process. Patients who fail to get their wisdom teeth removed before getting fitted for Invisalign often have to stop treatment and get their wisdom teeth extracted to get the best results after continuing with the Invisalign treatment.

Here are more reasons to extract impacted wisdom teeth before getting Invisalign;

1. Movement of other teeth – Wisdom teeth are often behind the second molars making it hard to align when wearing Invisalign. They may take longer and cost more when under Invisalign treatment.
2. Oral hygiene challenges – Keeping impacted teeth clean is challenging as they may collect bacteria in the teeth and gums. One may need to consult an NYC oral surgeon to remove wisdom teeth if an oral disease is detected.
3. Damage of other teeth – As wisdom teeth emerge, they push against the second molars, damaging them.
4. Risk of infection – If you get Invisalign braces before removing wisdom teeth, you stand the risk of infection, and your Invisalign treatment may take longer.

BENEFITS OF WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

Even though you may not need Invisalign braces to straighten your teeth, the benefits of extracting impacted teeth include:

• Better oral health. Getting your wisdom teeth removed prevents dental decay caused by bacteria accumulating on the far end of your second molars.
• Impacted wisdom teeth can cause tumors and cysts to develop in the jaw bone. This can lead to the temporomandibular joints or TMJ.
• Wisdom teeth can cause infection and gum inflammation which can be painful and might require antibiotics.

CAN YOU GET INVISALIGN IF YOU STILL HAVE WISDOM TEETH?

Your orthodontists will take x-rays and decide during your full clinical exam whether your wisdom teeth need to come out before you start your treatment. Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed. Sometimes they are angled so that they can’t be removed or may not interfere with teeth alignment.

CAN CHILDREN GET INVISALIGN BRACES BEFORE WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL?

Most parents are concerned about whether they should invest in Invisalign braces before their child’s wisdom teeth erupt. Because wisdom teeth typically erupt between the age of 17 to 25 years, your child will benefit from Invisalign before this time. Then, once your child’s wisdom teeth do erupt, your orthodontist will most likely recommend removal to preserve your child’s straightened teeth.

Some children do get their wisdom teeth earlier, so you should check to see if your child’s wisdom teeth are erupting but not visible-you will feel the tooth below the gum- before your child gets Invisalign treatment. If the impacted teeth sit just under the surface, it’s advisable to extract them as they will affect the alignment of your child’s dental braces.

Each patient and each situation is different, consult your orthodontist first beforehand.

CONTACT US

For a complimentary consultation with Amazing Smiles, check out our three locations throughout the New York metro: we are located at 100-25 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY – 2078 E 65th St., Brooklyn, NY – 545 Central Ave, Cedarhurst, New York.

DIY BRACES FOREST HILLS

DIY Braces Alright!!! That new Do It Yourself clear braces kit just arrived at your door. You’re ready to apply the braces… you’ve opened up the package. You’ve read the instructions. You’ve stuck the almost completely invisible tray into your mouth. Things are right with your world because your teeth are going to be awesome eighteen months from now.

But wait…

These braces don’t fit the way they’re supposed to. That online questionnaire you filled out provided all of the information for what your mouth looks like, and you probably gave them an impression of your teeth so they could mold your invisible liners. But something just feels wrong.

More than likely, the reason for this is because you didn’t actually see an orthodontist. You didn’t get that specialized, hands-on experience with an expert who knows what they’re doing when it comes to your oral health needs and the kind of orthodontic correction your teeth require.

You certainly didn’t speak with a doctor, like Doctor Yusupov, at Amazing Smiles; because going through one of those DIY kits was just so much easier on your time and so much more convenient. But was it really that easy or convenient when you’re having to get a second opinion after the fact?

No. No it wasn’t.

This is why when you see Dr. Yusupov at Amazing Smiles, you are getting that expert, one-on-one, hands-on evaluation of your oral health and orthodontic corrections. Dr. Yusupov knows that not every set of chompers is the same and that mail-order, DIY braces kits usually tend to ignore the fact that one size does NOT fit all.

If you’re considering ordering a do-it-yourself braces kit, or if you or someone you know have already ordered one, do yourself a favor and make sure to give Dr. Yusupov and Amazing Smiles Orthodontics a call because easy and convenient may not always be easy and convenient.

American Associations of Orthodontics and professional dentists in the US have given a survey report indicating the trend in wearing braces. The opinions of these professional orthodontists are published in online magazines and sites to update people about the increase in brace usage. It will be higher in upcoming days if the matured groups and oldies suffer from malocclusion, tooth decaying and overbite related issues. The adult braces are required for patients who have various types of orthodontic issues like tooth misalignment, underbite and maladjustment of the protruded tooth. Amazing Smiles Orthodontics is the best place for you to have affordable aligners, braces and other orthodontic accessories for tooth resetting for facial aesthete and proper tooth protection.

WHEN DO YOU NEED ADULT TOOTH BRACES?

• Tooth which have protrusion need the proper alignment.
• To prevent the malocclusion and underbite, you should wear the metal, ceramic or traditional braces/ligature bands etc to have the comfort
• Adult braces are tooth corrective devices but matured patients choose these prosthetic appliances for enhancing the bright smile on their faces. It enhances their aesthetic glow and facial beauty.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ADULT BRACES

TRADITIONAL BRACES

From 2000, people have been using the modified sophisticated traditional braces with a single wire to cement the gap. The tooth box with the ligature/wire is fitted to the base of the tooth for correction. However, even though there is an innovation in the traditional brass décor, it is still not a suitable option for adults. They think that metal versions are not soothing but painful to those who need perfect teeth setting. Besides, ceramic and metal traditional orthodontic system/denture/ prosthetic braces are visible in bright light to spoil the natural beauty of the patients.

INVISALLIGN/ALIGNERS

Aligners look like tooth trays which are inserted into the mouth for tooth correction. However, these trays should be removed for tooth cleaning. Even after eating food, you should collect your invisalign systems for doing tooth floss and mouth cleaning. These tooth braces should be checked and maintained for your own health development.

OTHER BRACES

Adult braces for people are better tooth care devices which are made of metal, ceramic, fiberglass and other lightweight materials. Besides, the gold and platinum plate insulated braces are also available but these devices are costly for economical people. Orthodontists also recommend other standard braces like self-ligating and lingual braces.

COST OF ADULT BRACES

All braces for full-grown men and women are not same. The prices of these medical components are different depending on the materials used, size, and brand. Besides, if the patients have the special medical insurance covering the dental treatment, they will get price reduction at the time of buying the braces for tooth correction. Invisalign treatment costs patients around $3000- $8000. The gold or platinum sealant of the braces for adult persons is sumptuous. In this connection, Amazing Smiles Orthodontics website gives customers an estimation to buy the best-in-class braces to treat teeth.

Adult prosthetic braces reinforce your tooth handling the malocclusion and tooth decaying/gum bleeding issues. This device enables you smile carelessly and freely as it fills up the gap between the tooth cavities/ tooth boxes. In this regard, for having free quotes to buy the best orthodontic accessories like ligature bands, conventional braces and aligners, go to the site of Amazing Smiles Orthodontics.

Braces have the ability to work with aligning a patient’s teeth and giving everyone a confident smile. However, it cannot be denied that the fact that braces work to straighten teeth can lead to initial discomfort.

Metal wires and brackets can hurt the sensitive inner side of the mouth. But the best part is that no one needs to keep suffering through this discomfort.

Dental wax for braces provides instant relief to every painful brace problem. Here’s what should be known about dental wax.

WHAT ARE THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF DENTAL WAX?

To keep great oral health, patient’s should always follow the routine instructions that their orthodontist recommends. Such as brushing and flossing everyday while using dental wax on a patient’s braces.

Do: Always replace the wax when needed, even if the wax is used only once.

Don’t: Reuse wax.

Do: Eat soft foods and drink liquids with the wax in place.

Don’t: Keep wax in place if food becomes stuck to it.

Do: Make sure that the wax is perfectly in place before sleeping.

Don’t: Worry if you swallow it while sleeping or eating.

Do: Contact your orthodontist if the pain persists or comes on suddenly.

Don’t: Fix the braces or wires yourself.

We do promote the fact that ‘D.I.Y.’ should not be attempted by the patient, instead if something feels off, the patient should immediately contact and call their orthodontist.

WHY IS DENTAL WAX NEEDED?

The initial stage of the brace journey always involves dental wax. Why? Dental wax makes braces more comfortable and adaptable.

Sometimes, the brackets on braces can rub against the insides of the mouth, or the bracket can pop off inside the mouth. This causes major discomfort. Covering the edge with the wax provides immediate relief from the discomfort of this situation.

Applying the wax will separate braces from the teeth. This solves mouth sores until a patient can see their orthodontist, and these are easy to apply and remove, making them suitable for kids and adults.

ASK AN ORTHODONTIST!

If you are unsure about what steps to take when it comes to orthodontic care, by all means, comment, send us a message, or call us to ask any questions! Check out our latest article that talks about if patients can use an electric toothbrush while wearing braces.

Also, if you need a ‘FAQs’ page, check out our page ‘Ask An Orthodontist.’

ORTHODONTIC CARE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE LOCATIONS

If anyone is needing to visit our orthodontic care center, visit Amazing Smiles Orthodontist with convenient locations in Long Island,  Brooklyn, and Queens, NY. Amazing Smiles honors payment plans such as payment installments, insurance, flexible spending programs, and third-party financing.

Cosmetic Dentistry, most people think of make-up when they hear this word. Many others might immediately call to mind a more pleasant description of plastic surgery. But what about Cosmetic Dentistry. Sounds really glamorous, doesn’t it? It sounds… beautiful… for lack of a better word.

Cosmetic dentistry is the term used to describe work done by an orthodontist to improve the appearance of teeth, the gums, and/or the bite of a person’s mouth. As the term “cosmetic” suggests, it’s all about making sure that the aesthetic of one’s chompers looks and feels pleasing.

One of the main methods that orthodontists use to make a patient’s mouth a bit more cosmetically appealing without going through surgery is through the use of braces, which straighten and align the teeth over a period of months or years.

Braces are the most well-known form of cosmetic dentistry. They provide a non-surgical alternative to correcting a patient’s oral health, but many don’t like the thought of getting braces because of some of the negative attitudes surrounding braces.

However, one of the most popular forms of braces to come out in the last decade or so is Invisalign. Invisalign is super popular because it offers the oral health and cosmetic dentistry benefits of standard braces as well as the benefit of them not being as visible as their traditional counterparts.

Standard/traditional braces usually run a range of as little as $3,000 to as much as $10,000; they are semi-permanent and require adjustment from an orthodontist every few weeks. With Invisalign, patients wear removable trays that they exchange every two weeks for anywhere between 18 to 30 months. The cost ranges between $3,500 to $8,000 on average; while the cost can be a bit higher than traditional braces, the trade-off is that you can still do all the things you used to do and eat all of the foods you used to eat before you had to get braces.

Of course, there is a middle ground; the Damon Braces system is a self-adjusting, semi-permanent braces system available for patients in need of cosmetic dentistry. They have the look and feel of traditional braces, but they don’t need the constant attention the traditional system requires, nor does Damon Braces require the elastic bands being applied to keep the brackets and wires tight.

Damon Braces run about the same range as Invisalign, roughly $3,800 to $8,000. However, before making any decision about which system you’d prefer, speak with Amazing Smiles about your cosmetic dentistry needs as well as which system would best suit the type of oral health care your teeth require.

For more info, contact Amazing Smiles to have all of your frequently asked questions answered.

Children’s Orthodontic Options. If you live in the Forest Hills, Richmond Hill, and Woodhaven areas, be sure to contact Amazing Smiles and their highly qualified team to get answers to your questions and to schedule an appointment for your child(ren) as soon as possible.

If you’re a parent with children, you’re probably wondering whether or not your children need to see an orthodontist. Obviously, they’re going to need to see a dentist for regular cleanings, but an orthodontist?

Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Yes, your children should see an orthodontist. Especially if their regular dentist has made the recommendation. In fact, it’s often recommended that parents get their children in to see an orthodontist by the age of seven (7) years old when they have a healthy mix of primary teeth and permanent teeth.

CHILDREN’S ORTHODONTIC OPTIONS

This allows the orthodontist to assess whether or not there is crowding in your child’s mouth as the primary teeth drop out and the permanent teeth take their places.

If your child exhibits signs of crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, difficulty eating or chewing food, or they are complaining of pain in their teeth, jaw, or gums, then they definitely need to see an orthodontist sooner rather than later. Dentists are only trained for the cleaning of teeth, whereas an orthodontist receives additional training that specializes in perfecting smiles through the use of orthodontic appliances.

If that is the case, there are many options available for your child(ren). Braces – especially traditional metal braces with brackets and bands – are the most common option available for your child’s alignment needs. Headgear and retainers might also be used depending on the how extreme the misalignment is.

But with the increase in orthodontic technologies, there are now newer forms of braces that can be used to correct your child’s teeth. Aside from the stainless-steel format commonly associated, there are also ceramic materials, as well as clear alignment trays made from plastic.

In rather extreme cases, oral surgery might be a necessary tactic, but that’s usually in cases where the patient has gone too long without any proper alignment taking place.