Even though most kids want braces at one point (because their friends have them), most parents are really not sure why and if their child “needs” braces.
T
he teeth may be perfectly straight but the bite may be off; there could be an “overbite” where the top teeth are protruding or an “underbite” where the top teeth are inside the bottom teeth. This maybe just a dental problem, where the interdigitation of the teeth are off. Or it could be a more serious skeletal problem where the relationship of the top jaw to the bottom jaw needs a correction. Orthodontic treatment can correct both teeth and jaw alignment problems. However, age is an important factor. Bite issues with underlying jaw discrepancies can only be corrected in a growing child. Once growth stops then any bite correction becomes a surgical procedure.
American Association of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics recommends that children are seen by an orthodontist by age 7.
To start orthodontic treatment, not all baby teeth have to be lost.
Sometimes treatment is started with plenty of baby teeth to make room for the adult teeth. It all depends on the problem.
For any questions or concerns regarding your or your child teeth please call the office for complementary evaluation.
Dr. Sezer Olcay
NJ Specialty #5167
Holmdel Orthodontics
723 North Beers St., Suite 2A., Holmdel
732-847-3065 • www.holmdelortho.com