Orthodontic braces have three primary components: the bracket, the archwire, and rubber bands (also known as elastics). Each component plays an integral role in correcting an existing bite problem or pressuring teeth into a straighter …
What Can’t You Eat With Braces?
Metal and clear braces have come a long way since first introduced as orthodontic treatment. Brackets are now smaller, and both clear and metal brackets are remarkably durable. However, there are still certain foods that …
Benefits of the Icon Procedure
By the age of 2, nearly 30% of children will have developed cavities in their teeth. However, thanks to the innovative, minimally invasive Icon procedure, cavities can be prevented in your child’s teeth at the …
How Do Clear Brackets Work?
Clear brackets make a great alternative to traditional metal braces. They have a number of advantages over both metal braces and aligners. More comfortable and far less cumbersome and intrusive than metal braces, clear brackets …
Starting Your Child on the Road to Dental Health
If you want to give your child the best head start on the road to lifelong dental health, the most important thing you can do is establish healthy dental habits at a young age. A …
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Invisalign revolutionized orthodontic treatment in the U.S. Offering a less abrasive, removable, and transparent alternative to metal bracket and wire braces, Invisalign has helped millions of teens and adults to achieve a straight smile. But, …
How Do You Floss With Braces?
If your child is one of the nearly 4 million kids who begin orthodontic treatment each year, there are some things you need to know! Most important of all, is how to ensure that your …
How Does Invisalign Work?
A more comfortable choice than traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a terrific orthodontic treatment that works to align your teeth correctly. The Invisalign process relies on clear aligners designed to position your teeth. These aligners …
What Is Invisalign & Is It Right For Me?
Since the late 2000s, millions of patients 17 and younger have been turning towards a new way of straightening their teeth. Although invented in the 1990s, parents are recently finding that Invisalign is a revolutionary …
Do I Need Braces? What To Expect From Your Orthodontic Visit
Is it time to go a step above regular dental visits and see an orthodontist? Jaw and teeth misalignment are known to cause tooth decay, gum disease, and many other periodontal problems. It’s also a …
Can You Eat With Invisalign?
If your teen is currently undergoing Invisalign treatment or is thinking about it, you’re probably curious about how to care for Invisalign’s aligner trays properly. One common question about Invisalign is how to eat and …
How Do You Clean Your Invisalign Retainers & Tray?
Invisalign is a teeth straightening system consisting of clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth to gently shift them into alignment. These trays and the retainers are clear to begin with, but will need …
What Is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride is a natural element that is found in most water sources. Fluoride is known to help reduce the risk of tooth decay, which is why fluoride is a key ingredient in many brands of …
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
Watching a baby pass milestone after milestone from the time they are born is always exciting. And, that same celebratory reaction shows up when a baby’s first tooth begins to appear. As soon as the …
The Cost of Invisalign vs The Cost of Braces
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, braces and Invisalign are two common options. Braces have been around for nearly a century and Invisalign just a couple of decades. These treatments both serve the same purpose …
Braces vs Invisalign: Which Is Better?
One thing is for certain – a smile is an important part of an appearance. It doesn’t matter whether you are 8 years old or 88 years old, having a smile you can feel confident …
How To Teach A Toddler To Brush Their Teeth
Teeth are one of those things that you hope to have for the rest of your life. And while we may not have understood the importance of good hygiene as kids, we get it now. …
How To Relieve Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a very unpleasant condition when you are an adult — which means the pain is even worse for a kid. Whether it is the result of eating something too cold or too …
How Can I Help My Toddler Stop Grinding Their Teeth?
People of all ages may grind their teeth, but this condition known as bruxism is very common among young kids. In fact, according to The National Sleep Foundation, 14-20% of children under the age of …
Why Are Teeth Sensitive?
We rely on our teeth to help us nourish our body – and we don’t expect them to hurt. We want to sip that hot beverage and eat that ice cream without pain – especially …
Traditional Braces or Invisalign: Which is Faster?
Getting braces is a big decision. You want your child to have a straight, healthy set of teeth as they grow up, but getting braces and the responsibility that comes with having them can seem …
How to Find a Qualified Special Needs Dentist Near You
Does your child or a loved one in your care have special needs that require some extra consideration when it comes to their dental care? Special needs dentistry applies to children who have physical or mental conditions …
How to Find a Qualified Orthodontist In Your Area
Does your child need an orthodontist? If so, do you know how to find a qualified orthodontist in your area? You want someone with experience, someone with a good reputation for providing excellent orthodontic care. …
When Should a Child Start Going to the Dentist?
Depending on who you ask, you may get a few different answers to this question. But according to most pediatric dentists and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should have their first dental …
How To Floss Your Teeth With Braces
Getting braces changes a lot about your daily life. You may eat differently and even brush and floss your teeth in a different way. Flossing is particularly challenging with traditional metal braces because the archwire …
How Long Does it Take for Invisalign to Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that is designed to straighten teeth and correct minor orthodontic issues. It is referred to as the “clear alternative to braces” because the system uses clear aligners rather than metal …
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
Going to the dentist can make some children nervous, especially if they need a procedure like a cavity filling or oral surgery. Sedation dentistry involves methods that are used to help patients relax for dental …
Common Problems with Braces and How to Fix Them
If you have braces you may occasionally experience problems with them. Some problems are minor and some are a little more serious, but all can be corrected. Some braces problems can be fixed on your …
Tongue Thrust Appliance: What It Is and How It Works
Tongue thrusting is a relatively common issue in young children. The term refers to the act of pushing the tongue against the back of the front teeth, sometimes even pushing it between the front teeth …
How Much Does Invisalign Teen Cost in New Jersey?
If you’re considering the Invisalign Teen system for yourself or your teen, you likely have a lot of questions. The best way to get the answers you need is to schedule an appointment with one …
How to Choose the Best Pediatric Dentist for Your Children
Pediatric dentists have specialized training in the unique dental needs of children. After graduating from dental school, a pediatric dentist goes on to complete two to three years of additional education, so there’s no one …
Sports Mouthguards: What You Need to Know
Does your child play sports? Any active sport, regardless of the level of contact involved, could result in damage to the teeth. It is a good idea to wear a mouthguard for most sports, including football, baseball, soccer, hockey, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, and many more. Even low contact sports can result in a fall that could hurt the mouth. Mouthguards go a long way toward preventing serious dental injuries.
What is the Typical Cost of Getting Braces?
Does your child need braces? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the most common questions that tends to come up right away is, “How much will braces cost?” It is true that braces can seem costly, but when compared to other medical and dental treatments they are really on the low end of the spectrum. Here’s an overview of what you can expect for orthodontic services.
Retainers After Braces: What You Should Know
Braces are common among teenagers and adults as a way of correcting the alignment of teeth. Proper orthodontic care is an important part of maintaining your long-term dental health and correcting problems that affect other areas of your life. Although braces are a big focus for many people, retainers are just as important.
My Child Knocked Out a PERMANENT Tooth! Now What?
Your kids are playing innocently at the park while you watch them from the bench. Suddenly, your youngest is screaming and flails on the ground in pain. You run over to comfort him to discover that his tooth has been knocked out clear from its socket.
Do School Lunches Provide the Nutrition Your Child Needs?
If you’re like most parents, you probably figure your child’s school lunch isn’t exactly the best when it comes to nutrition, but that it’s not the worst either since it’s required to meet government guidelines. Generally speaking, this is an accurate take, but what you may not know is that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been moving the goalposts, allowing schools to serve less healthy foods and still meet USDA standards. Since dental health and overall health are intrinsically linked, we want to share what this means for your child’s school lunches.
Upper Jaw Expansion: What You Should Know
Upper jaw expansion, also known as palatal expansion, is one of the most common treatments used in Phase 1 orthodontics. Unlike the orthodontic treatments of decades past, which waited to correct problems only after they emerged, the goal of Phase 1 treatment is to influence the jaw as it grows and develops in early childhood. To do this, we use palatal expander devices, or PEDs, to apply gentle, constant pressure that increases the width of the upper jaw.
Top 10 Braces Question and Answers
Is your child or teen in need of braces? This is quite common. In fact, between a quarter and half of all people require orthodontic care. If it turns out that your child is one of them, you probably have some questions. Here are the top 10 questions and answers about braces.
Special Needs Dentistry for Children
All children need dental care, even extraordinary and exceptional children for whom visiting the dentist may be a challenge. Children have fears, may have difficulty being still, and sometimes require a strict adherence to a specific routine to feel at ease.
How to Calm Children’s Dental Fears
Is your child afraid to go to the dentist? Whether this is their first visit or the fear is a recent development since the last visit, it can be difficult to know what to do. Dental appointments are absolutely crucial for oral health and are a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. Easing a child’s fears now can eliminate dental anxiety for the rest of their life. Try these strategies for calming your child’s fear of going to the dentist.
Toddlers & Teeth: How to Establish Good Oral Hygiene
Toddlers are like a sponge, soaking up everything they learn about the world around them. That’s why these years are critical when it comes to laying the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits. Even better, toddlers are enthusiastic learners—teach them to brush and they’ll brush with gusto! Here are some tips for helping your little one have a bright, healthy smile through their toddler years and beyond.
Is Thumb Sucking Normal?
Many parents are concerned about their children’s thumb sucking habits, so before we get started, let’s make one thing clear: thumb sucking is normal. It’s not something to be concerned about in young children. Babies often start sucking their thumbs while they’re still in the womb—it’s no wonder it’s such a hard habit to break! The action of sucking helps infants self-soothe and once established, the habit often extends into early childhood. Here are the facts about thumb sucking.
Preparing for Your Child’s Pediatric Orthodontics Appointment
The practice of orthodontics has undergone a dramatic shift as we come to understand the importance of early intervention. While many of our patients’ parents started orthodontic treatment as teenagers, we know now that it’s better to start at a much younger age for best results. If you’re considering early orthodontics for your child, here’s what you can expect.
Delayed Tooth Eruption: What to Expect
Your child will grow teeth within the first several years of their lives. It can be an exciting but difficult time for parents and children. Much is changing and there will be an adjustment period for everyone. By knowing what is coming, you can make sure that you are ready to help your child through it. Here is what to expect when your child’s teeth start coming in.
You Are What You Eat: How Diet Affects Dental Health
Your teeth are exposed to everything that you eat, including acidic foods that erode enamel away and foods that stain teeth. What you eat can have a lot to do with your overall dental health. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to your diet and dental health.
Getting Braces: What You Should Know
You’ve gotten the impressions, you’ve scheduled your appointment, and you’ve eaten all the candy and popcorn you can to tide you over for the next year or two. You’re ready––it’s time to get your braces. But what can you expect? Will it hurt? How do you brush?.
How to Brush Teeth with Braces
Brushing and flossing might be more difficult now that you have braces, but it’s also more important than ever. It’s hard to brush with all those brackets and wires, but if you can devote a few extra minutes a day to do the job right, you’ll be glad you did. These are the step-by-step instructions we provide our patients on how to brush teeth with braces.
White Spots on Teeth: What They Are and What to Do About Them
Everyone wants a clean and healthy smile, which is why it can be troubling when you notice white spots on your teeth. These spots are natural and common for many people. They are caused by a variety of reasons, all stemming from damage to your teeth for one reason or another. The good news is that you are not alone in this problem and it is a problem that can be corrected. If you are worried about your smile, here is a deeper look at white spots on teeth and what to do about them.
Losing Baby Teeth: What to Expect
As your little one grows up, they will get new teeth. Baby teeth fall out and that can be a stressful and exhilarating time. There are, however, a few things that you should know before the teeth start to disappear. Here is what to expect when your child begins to lose baby teeth.
Baby Pacifiers: What You Need to Know
Most babies love pacifiers and so do their parents. Pacifiers are designed to give babies the sucking experience that they crave in a portable and easy-to-deliver package. While a pacifier can be a useful aid in caring for babies, relying on them too much can also be a problem. This is especially true for any child that has exposed teeth or teeth that are coming in. If you have a child, here is what you need to know about baby pacifiers.
Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth: Does It Make a Difference?
Whether you buy your toothpaste at the supermarket, the pharmacy, or online, the sheer number of choices can be daunting. There are entire rows of different types of toothpaste claiming to help sensitive teeth, to remove stains with whitening formulas, to reduce the risk of gum diseases, or even just to give you fresh breath for up to 12 hours! It can be hard to decide which toothpaste is going to work best for you, or which problem you want to tackle first. So what is the true difference between all your choices?
What You Should Know About Choosing a Mouthwash
As pediatric dentists, parents often ask for our opinions about the best oral health products they can buy for their kids. We’re always happy to make recommendations, whether it’s finding the right toothbrush for a 2-year-old or a fruit-flavored toothpaste for those kids who refuse to use anything minty. Today, we want to talk about what you should know about choosing a mouthwash for kids.
How to Properly Brush Your Teeth
If you’re a parent, getting your child to brush his or her teeth might just be the bane of your existence. As dental professionals, we understand. During our pediatric dental check-ups, parents often express frustration over daily battles about tooth brushing. We want our patients to look forward to their twice a day oral hygiene routine, but sometimes it takes a little bit of finesse to make it a more positive experience for parents and kiddos alike.
How to Prevent Cavities: What You Should Know
Although getting kids to brush and floss can be challenging, children who learn how to take care of their teeth and gums early in life will not only have fewer cavities, but will also develop good healthcare behaviors that they can take into adulthood.
How Sports Drinks Affect Your Dental Health
Today, many people from all walks of life enjoy sports drinks not only to replenish themselves after strenuous activity, but also as a replacement for sodas, sipping them throughout the day. However, sports drinks were never intended to be consumed regularly, and they can cause significant damage to the teeth. Here is what you should know about how sports drinks affect your dental health.
How Often to Brush, Floss, and Have Your Teeth Cleaned
Just like adults, kids with clean teeth are significantly less likely to develop oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth shifting, and even systemic illnesses. You know that it is important to get your kids to brush, floss, and see the dentist regularly, but you might not be aware of exactly what schedule to follow. Here is how often kids as well as adults should brush, floss, and have their teeth professionally cleaned.
Fluoride Myths and Facts
Fluoride is a natural mineral with tremendous cavity-fighting abilities. It was first added to municipal drinking water in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Today, most municipal water supplies in the United States and numerous other countries…
3 Reasons for Kids to See the Dentist Regularly
Regular dental visits are just as important for kids as for adults. While it is true that baby teeth will fall out anyway, now is the time to set good oral health habits that will …
3 Key Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush
People have been using the same type of manual toothbrush since the 15th century. Electric toothbrushes hit the American market in 1960, but they didn’t get much traction until recently. Today, though, both dental professionals …