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Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children in Ramsey, NJ

Early Ortho Treatment

Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry provides early orthodontic treatment for children at our state-of-the-art pediatric dental practice in Ramsey, NJ. Early orthodontic treatments at Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry are preventive treatments to reduce the risk of dental problems later in life. Early orthodontic treatments available at Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry include habit appliances and space maintainers. To schedule an appointment call 201-746-4626 or message us.

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment aims to prevent or minimize the severity of orthodontic and oral health conditions as your child grows up, and their permanent teeth erupt. Early orthodontic treatments accomplish one of two goals.

Habit appliances help children to break habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, pacifier use, or mouth breathing to prevent the unnatural position of teeth that leads to overbite or open bite (malocclusion) or protruding teeth. Space maintainers preserve space in the mouth for adult teeth to erupt after early tooth loss or extraction.

Benefits of Preventive Orthodontics

By intercepting developing problems with early orthodontic treatment, the Board-Certified pediatric dentists at Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry can help guide normal, healthy growth and development of the facial and jaw bones. Problems such as overcrowding, impacted teeth, or crooked teeth may be prevented with early orthodontic treatment.

Ensuring teeth adjacent to a gap remain in their correct position • Reducing the length of orthodontic treatment time later in life • Cost savings on future orthodontic treatment • Stops habits when other attempts have failed • Stop subconscious habits (when sleeping, upset, stressed, etc.) • Discreet treatment for breaking habits • Appliances may be fixed or removable • Ensuring children breathe through their noses instead of their mouths.

At Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry we serve as allies and partners in helping young people to establish and maintain excellent oral health. Our preventive orthodontic treatments are gentle, non-invasive, and effective in helping your child prevent myriad orthodontic conditions later in life.

At our pediatric dental practice in Ramsey, NJ we go the extra mile to ensure the comfort of our young patients. We offer age-appropriate entertainment and comfort items such as pillow pets and blankets. Our treatment tools, imaging equipment, and treatment chairs are designed for maximum comfort for pediatric patients.

We are proud to be an inclusive pediatric dental practice. Our Board-Certified pediatric dentists have undergone extensive training and education in treating children of all abilities and needs.

Early Orthodontic Treatments in Bergen County

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are only necessary when a child loses a baby tooth long before an adult tooth will erupt. These devices resemble orthodontic retainers and may be fixed or removable.

Habit Appliances

Habit appliances help children to break habits often established in infancy, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, pacifier use, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing. These oral devices may be fixed or removable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Orthodontics Treatment

What happens if my child doesn’t get a space maintainer?
When a child loses a tooth too early, the adjacent teeth tend to drift into the space left, which makes it difficult for the adult tooth to erupt properly. This can ultimately lead to crowded teeth, crooked teeth, or impacted teeth.
Will insurance pay for early orthodontic treatment for kids?
Many dental insurance plans have an allowance for space maintainers or habit appliances, but restrictions likely apply. Check with your insurance company for your policy’s specific coverage limits.
How long will my child need a space maintainer?
Your child will wear the space maintainer until the adult teeth are poised to erupt. The duration may range from months to years, depending on when the child lost the tooth, and when the adult teeth are ready to erupt.
How long will my child need a habit appliance?
All children are a bit different, but on average, most children wear the habit appliance for about one year.
What are the symptoms of tongue thrusting?
Tongue thrusting may present symptoms such as mouth breathing, delayed speech or speech impediments such as a lisp, difficulty fully closing the lips, visible tongue between the teeth when your child is swallowing, speaking, or resting, or an open bite (top and bottom teeth don’t touch when biting down).
Do habit appliances hurt?
No. They may feel uncomfortable initially. because they are unfamiliar, but wearing the devices is not painful.
At what age should my child stop sucking their thumb?
Children should stop sucking their thumbs or fingers on their own before their fifth birthday. Many children will stop on their own much younger. If the habit persists, a habit appliance may be recommended.
How can I encourage my child to stop sucking their thumb?
Positive reinforcement is always a good starting point. A small reward or other incentive may help. Open dialogues with your child are also a good way to address the habit. For additional ideas talk with your pediatric dentist.

Schedule an Early Orthodontic Consultation in Ramsey, NJ

If your child is struggling to break an oral habit, or they’ve lost a baby tooth early, schedule a consultation at Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Ramsey, NJ. Call 201-746-4626 or message us.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
470 North Franklin Turnpike Suite 106
Ramsey, NJ 07446
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