What is orthodontics, and how could it help your child or teenager? Aside from famously perfecting smiles, orthodontic treatments (like traditional braces or Invisalign®) straighten teeth to make them easier to clean, potentially reducing the risk of developing dental decay.
Our Philosophy for Orthodontic Growth and Development
Assisting young people in Flemington, Lebanon, and Hillsborough, pediatric dentist Dr. Kruti Sanghavi can diagnose and treat general alignment issues at Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry. The best time to start orthodontic treatment varies based on your child’s case complexity. Early examination of growth and development makes orthodontic treatment time and cost-effective. Here, at Floss Boss, we offer high-quality clear aligners for children. We often refer to orthodontic specialists for complex cases.
Our Approach to Orthodontics
Every patient at Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry will get an orthodontic evaluation and will let you know if your child if clear aligners (like Invisalign), metal braces, or another orthodontic treatment is more suitable for them.
Orthodontic Screening: The First Step to Early Orthodontic Treatment
We strive to give every patient at Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry an orthodontic evaluation. Here, Dr. Sanghavi might compassionately identify if your child’s teeth appear crowded or misaligned to prepare your family for the possibility of corrective orthodontic treatment.
While many people imagine tweens or teens in bulky, metal braces, the American Academy of Orthodontics suggests orthodontic screenings in elementary school (by the time a child is seven years old). Elementary kids have baby and adult teeth. Plus, the face and jaws are still growing. These factors make it the prime time for an orthodontic screening, before or while an orthodontic issue starts to arise.
Orthodontic Treatment: Invisalign vs. Braces
Invisalign aligners are transparent, plastic trays that gently shift and align teeth for mild to moderate orthodontic cases. Metal braces are used for all types of orthodontic cases – from simple to complex. Whether your child is a candidate for clear aligners or metal braces is based on a thorough orthodontic evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Invisalign, Braces, and Other Orthodontic Treatments
1. What common conditions can affect orthodontic growth and development?
Rarely are people born with perfect alignment, and here are some common conditions that impact our facial and dental alignment:
- Restricted palate and chronic mouth breathing: If your child is a mouth breather, it can impact the jaw and tooth alignment. Many times, the shape of the palate may also be affected. Correction of the palate and expansion of it may help with mouth breathing.
- Obstructed airways: Improper jaw placement can affect the soft tissues in your child’s throat, restricting oxygen flow to the brain.
- Underdeveloped lower jaw: This can lead to an overbite and contribute to TMJ issues later in adulthood.
2. Is Invisalign kid-appropriate?
Once only reserved for adults, Invisalign First helps kids achieve a perfect smile without uncomfortable or embarrassing brackets and wires. Dr. Sanghavi can see if your child qualifies for clear aligner therapy at your kid’s next orthodontic screening.
Improve Your Child’s Alignment, Improve Your Child’s Health
See how straight teeth can improve your child’s life, and schedule an orthodontic treatment consultation with our Flemington, NJ, pediatric dentist. Call (908) 860-8913 or book an appointment online to invest in a more confident, straight smile for your kid.
