When is Early Orthodontic Intervention Recommended?

Orthodontic treatment can be a topic of contention for many parents. After all, a child’s teeth and jaw bone are still developing, and continue to do so well into their teenage years. However, an orthodontic screening should be carried out early in the child’s life so that dental problems that might affect the child in later years can be detected earlier.

Most dentists recommend that children from the age of seven should receive orthodontic screening. This age is a common age where many children begin to lose their child, or ‘baby’ teeth, and begin to receive their adult teeth. This transitional period between teeth is often the best time to discover whether there are likely to be dental anomalies in the development of teeth that might affect dental health.

Such anomalies can include crooked teeth, which in turn can affect the biting strength and bite pattern; in time, this can lead to tooth impaction and bruxism. Early intervention at this age can help to prevent these, and other major dental health problems from occurring.

A child’s jaw is still developing at this age, and so it is much easier for an orthodontist to correct, through such treatments as braces, which serve to straighten and realign teeth that are out-of-position. Because the child’s jaw and bones are still developing, they tend to be softer and more pliable, and so it becomes easier to correct issues of realignment.

Other issues can occur, and crowded teeth can create pockets which are notoriously difficult to clean effectively, and so can harbor harmful bacteria which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Speech impediments, such as a lisp, could also manifest as a result of incorrectly aligned teeth.

 And, as children grow older, they become more self-conscious about their appearance – and this includes their smile! Having a good-looking smile goes a long way towards building confidence, not only through the aesthetic aspects, but also in other areas, such as aiding in speech and eating. Orthodontic treatment can help to develop a child’s confidence in these areas.

It often pays to have a child receive an orthodontic screening early in life; by doing so, potential dental problems can be detected and corrected much easier. By giving a child the best smile possible in their earlier years, they can grow with the confidence that a beautiful smile can bring.

Orthodontic Treatment: What happens if I wait until I’m older?

As we age, there are three main motivators for seeking orthodontic treatment:

·         Cosmetic concerns (We want teeth that are straighter and more attractive.)

·         Functional concerns (We want teeth that fit together properly and jaw joints that function smoothly)

·         Periodontal concerns (We can reduce the risk of gum disease when we are better able to clean between the teeth and near the gumline.)

Whether you are interested in a smile that looks better, a smile that is easier to clean, or teeth that fit together better, you'll find that orthodontics is the ideal solution.

Braces are not an uncommon treatment option for adults. Of course, the treatment is slightly faster and more predictable when performed during the childhood and teenage years when the bone is softer and still growing. Once the bone (and the patient) has matured, it becomes denser, making tooth movement just a little more challenging.

Postponing your treatment until adulthood could also mean that mild problems may become more advanced. Crowding, jaw joint problems, and the risk for gum disease and cavities can increase significantly without prompt intervention. The treatment for these conditions is likely to become more complex as each year passes.

But, should you choose to wait until you are older, be assured that adult patients can still reap tremendous benefits from limited or comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

It feels good to treat yourself to the dental care that you need and want. The anticipation of the final outcome makes the whole process even more exciting, plus there are more options than ever for achieving the smile that you desire. With modern orthodontic solutions, adult patients have access to clear, removable, or low-profile alternatives that can make the process more comfortable and more discreet.

It's never too late to improve your smile. Whether you’re a pre-teen, a high school student, or a parent, there is an orthodontic solution that will work perfectly for you. Start by contacting the office of Dr. Seth Newman today for a consultation.

Importance of Treating Malocclusions

Any physical abnormality that can affect your overall health should be treated … deficient eye sight calls for wearing glasses; a broken bone is set and placed in a cast; a hearing aid is used when hearing loss occurs … all of these things and more can impact quality of life if not addressed. The same thing applies to dental issues, and when treating a malocclusion, braces are usually at the top of the list to correct it.

A malocclusion occurs when the top teeth do not align correctly to the bottom teeth. There are multiple reasons this happens:

·         Lack of jaw space to accommodate all permanent teeth

·         Tooth loss that results in remaining teeth drifting toward open spaces

·         Genetic abnormalities

·         Injury

·         Extrinsic issues such as thumb sucking

Whatever the root cause, a malocclusion can result in a cross bite, over bite or under bite. Left untreated, the following can occur:

·         Dental decay – when teeth do not align properly, there are areas that may be difficult to reach with a tooth brush and dental floss. Bacteria and plaque build-up can lead to decay, gum disease and even tooth loss.

·         Grinding and clenching – the teeth naturally want to align properly, and when they don’t we can subconsciously (usually during sleep) grind the teeth and clench the jaw trying to find a way for the teeth to meet. Premature enamel erosion, uneven teeth, broken teeth, TMJ, and discomfort in neck, head and jaw are all potential side effects of grinding and clenching.

·         Lack of self-esteem – Uneven or crooked teeth discourage eating, speaking and smiling in public.

A consultation with an orthodontist can explain what is needed to correct your dental malocclusion. If overcrowding is an issue, the extraction of one or more teeth may be recommended before embarking on corrective action.  A healing period is generally needed before starting the straightening process.

Treatment usually involves the placement of braces that will steadily shift teeth to their correct position. Braces are adjusted every few weeks to keep teeth moving. Once the bite has been remedied, a retainer will be worn to help the teeth develop a memory of where they rightly belong.

Caring for your new, straight teeth, including daily hygiene and dental check-ups, will allow for excellent dental health and years of eating and smiling enjoyment.

Contact our team at Newman Orthodontics today to learn more about your treatment options. Call 516-626-2060 to schedule your professional consultation today.

Orthodontic Treatment: Give your child the gift of a healthy smile

It’s no big secret among parents and dentists that most kids don’t enjoy visiting the dentist. As a rule, most orthodontists suggest that your child should be seen by the age of seven for an orthodontic screening. It is not uncommon for children at this age to present issues that may lead to the need for braces in the near future.

It’s important to make sure your children brush their teeth at least two times a day; for younger children you may have to watch over them, as they tend to rush things. This will increase their likelihood of having a great first experience with their orthodontist. An early orthodontic screening is vital as issues at this stage of your child’s dental development such as an overbite or tooth crowding can be addressed, possibly eliminating the need for more complex treatment down the road.

Many parents are faced with the idea that their children might need braces at this stage. Rest assured that braces are no longer the ordeal they once were. There are currently more options to choose from, including braces that can barely be seen.

Traditional braces are perhaps the most well-known solution. These are metal braces that are used to help correct problematic teeth.

Our office also offers Incognito braces for both children and adults.  These braces are placed behind your teeth, making them nearly impossible to see. These are especially effective when dealing with pre-teen and teen patients that are overly concerned about their appearance. Incognito braces are created based on each patient’s condition, making them comfortable and fully customizable.

If you believe it is time for your child’s first orthodontic screening, call Newman Orthodontics at 516-626-2060 today to schedule an appointment. It is never too early to start thinking about the dental health of your children!

Widely Spaced Teeth: Is Invisalign an Option?

Wide spaces between your teeth can make your smile less attractive. If you are self-conscious about gaps between your teeth or the overall alignment of your smile, Invisalign can be a viable orthodontic option that will restore your appearance and self-confidence.

Choosing an Orthodontic Treatment

Choosing the right treatment is vital to the success of your orthodontic treatment. Depending upon how large the gaps are between your teeth or how severe your misalignment is, your orthodontist will recommend Invisalign or traditional braces.

Your choice of orthodontic treatment begins with a consultation. Our team will evaluate your teeth, making molds as well as digital photographs to demonstrate what your teeth look like now and what they will look like after your treatment is completed. Based on your individual goals and needs, we will recommend a treatment and explain how it will work, how long it will take, and what to expect after treatment is completed.

How Invisalign Works

Orthodontic treatment is usually associated with traditional braces, which uses metal braces and rubber bands to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. With Invisalign, metal and bands are replaced by trays made of clear plastic.

These trays are carefully formed to move your teeth a small amount while you are wearing them. You usually wear each tray for about two weeks then switch to a new tray that is slightly different than the previous tray. The new tray moves the teeth again, until, by the time you use the last tray, your teeth are in their proper position.

During your treatment, you must be careful to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for care of your trays. You should wear them for about twenty-two hours of each day. During meals, they should be removed to keep them clean. They also should not be exposed to hot beverages to keep from warping the plastic. Foods and darkly colored drinks could discolor your trays, so you should also avoid exposure to these types of staining agents. With proper care, and by using your trays according to instructions, you’ll achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

To find out if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you, contact Newman Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment.