Orthodontics at My Orthodontist

orthodontics

All About Orthodontics at My Orthodontist in New Jersey

Our doctors prioritize providing the highest quality orthodontic treatment in New Jersey. Using proven state-of-the-art technology, My Orthodontist can complete orthodontic treatment most comfortably and efficiently as possible. We ensure that each patient receives the best dental care and a healthy and happy smile that will last a lifetime.

Orthodontic Services Offered at My Orthodontist

Here at My Orthodontist, we are pleased to offer orthodontic services, including:

 

What are Childhood Interceptive Orthodontics?

Phase 1 orthodontics treats children aged 5 -12. Phase 1 is early intervention to reduce treatment time and the cost of orthodontics. Most phase 1 treatment is completed before adult teeth are present, using a child’s natural growth to prevent teeth crowding.

Phase 1 treatment success depends upon your child’s cooperation, with younger children often more willing to wear appliances. Early orthodontic treatment moves the teeth and jaw to create beautiful smiles and prevents snoring and speech problems. Phase 1 also eliminates any need for future extractions of permanent teeth.

How do Interceptive Orthodontics Fix Problems Early?

Conventional wisdom argues that orthodontics shouldn’t start until all the adult teeth have grown in. Still, some bite, alignment, and facial development issues can appear long before adult teeth do. That’s where interceptive or phase 1 orthodontics becomes really important.

 

An orthodontist can help a child’s jaw grow appropriately, so there is more room for the adult teeth and provides the structure for a healthier bite. Correcting bad bites as they appear makes future orthodontic treatment much faster and easier — and, in some cases, unnecessary!

Causes of Malocclusions in Children

Interceptive orthodontics corrects problems with jaw growth and damage from habits like thumb sucking, biting the nails, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing. These bad habits contribute to bite problems such as:

  • a narrow upper arch
  • an underdeveloped lower jaw
  • a deep bite, an open bite
  • dental crowding

These issues can make it difficult to chew, swallow, and speak clearly. The main goal of phase 1 treatment is to stop those habits and repair the damage so that the adult teeth can grow exactly where they should.

Common Phase 1 Treatments

The most significant difference between phase 1 and phase 2 orthodontics is that phase 1 is not focused on traditional braces. Orthodontic care treatment options typically come later if they are still needed. Typical phase 1 treatments used include:

 

  • Jaw expansion of one or both jaws to create more room for adult teeth or to eliminate a crossbite
  • Early extraction of some baby teeth to help adult teeth come in properly
  • Space maintainers for permanent teeth after premature loss of a baby tooth
  • Reduction of upper front teeth protrusion to protect from trauma

Phase 2 Orthodontics

Phase 2 orthodontics treats adults and children 12 years and older. Phase 2 straightens crooked teeth using fixed or removable braces or Invisalign. Phase 2 is most successful when it immediately follows phase 1 and generally takes 1 to 2 years. 

Adults Can Get Invisalign Too!

If you are far beyond the teen years, you might think you missed your chance for straight teeth. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Modern orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, is for everyone, including adults

Even if you had braces before, your teeth might have shifted over time, which is another reason to consider treatment as an adult. Call us for an initial consultation.

The Biology Of Shifting Dental Alignment

So what’s happening on the cellular level during orthodontic treatment? Specialized cells called osteoclasts and osteoblasts respond to the pressure around the pocket of gum tissue connecting the tooth’s root to the jaw bone (periodontal membrane). Osteoclasts break down the bone tissue so that the tooth can move, while osteoblasts gradually form new bone tissue behind it. So it’s not just your teeth moving into position; your jawbones are reshaping themselves too!

Beyond Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment

Your teeth still remember where they used to be even after the fixed appliances come off, so it’s crucial to wear your retainers as directed. Retainers help your teeth get used to their new position and prevent unrelated shifting that happens to most people naturally over time.

Find Orthodontic Services in Your Area

We provide orthodontic treatment to many communities in New Jersey and one in Pennsylvania. We look forward to seeing you at the office most convenient for you and your family:

 

Want To Learn More About Your Orthodontic Treatment?

Do you have any questions about how braces can give you the perfectly aligned, functional smile you’ve always wanted? Give us a call – we want all our patients to have the information they need to feel confident in their treatment!

How Our Orthodontists Can Help

If you want to feel great about your oral health and want a consultation, please call us at (855) 776-9678. We love to listen to your concerns and find a treatment plan perfect for you at our orthodontic offices in New Jersey.