Kids Orthodontist in Cortlandt Manor

PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTIST WESTCHESTER, NY

Setting the Foundation for Lifelong Smiles

Every parent wants the best for their child, and securing a healthy smile for life is part of that. Welcome to Glaser Orthodontics, where we are dedicated to your child’s oral health and well-being. With almost 30 years of experience, our pediatric orthodontist in Westchester, NY Dr. Barry Glaser, takes advantage of early intervention to lay the foundation for lifelong healthy smiles.

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When Should Orthodontic Evaluation Begin?

Orthodontic treatment can enhance a smile at any age, but there is an ideal window to begin, ensuring the best results with the least time and expense. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, scheduling your child’s initial orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of orthodontic problems or, at the latest, by the age of 7 is recommended.

WHY AGE 7 MATTERS
You might be wondering why age 7 is considered the optimal time for screening. By this age, your child’s mouth has undergone significant changes. The first adult molars erupted, establishing what we call the “backbite.” During this period, we can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For instance, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbites, open bites, crowding, or gummy smiles. 

The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation

Why should you consider early orthodontic evaluation for your child? The advantages are numerous:

Timely Problem Detection
We can uncover orthodontic abnormalities early with early evaluation, significantly preventing costly and complex treatment in the future.

More Effective Treatment
Catching orthodontic issues early allows us to plan and execute a more effective treatment, achieving better results with less time and expense.

Prevention of Serious Problems
Addressing potential issues early can prevent them from developing into more serious orthodontic problems.

What is a Pediatric Orthodontist?

When it comes to your child’s dental health, choosing the right orthodontist can make all the difference. Pediatric orthodontists, like Dr. Glaser, are specialists in the field who focus exclusively on children and adolescents. This specialization is crucial for several reasons:

  • Expertise in Child Development
  • Tailored Treatment Plans
  • Child-Friendly Environment

2-Phase Interceptive Treatment at Glaser Orthodontics

Two-phase treatment is an innovative approach that involves two stages of orthodontic care. It is typically recommended for children whose orthodontic issues are best addressed in two distinct phases, with each phase serving a specific purpose:

PHASE 1: EARLY INTERVENTION
The first phase, also known as early intervention, begins when your child still has their primary (baby) teeth. This phase typically starts around the age of eight or nine. During this stage, our goal is to address developing orthodontic problems and guide the growth of your child’s jaw and permanent teeth. Its key aspects include: 

  • Creating a Path for Permanent Teeth: By starting treatment while your child still has primary teeth, we can create space and ensure a clear path for the emergence of permanent teeth.
  • Correcting Developing Issues: Phase 1 allows us to address issues like bite problems, crowding, and alignment concerns early, preventing them from becoming more severe.
  • Facilitating Proper Growth: We can influence your child’s jaw growth to promote facial symmetry and optimal oral health.

RESTING PERIOD BETWEEN PHASES
After the completion of Phase 1, there is typically a resting period during which your child’s permanent teeth continue to erupt naturally. During this time, we closely monitor their growth and development to determine the right timing for Phase 2.

PHASE 2: COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT
The second phase, “comprehensive treatment,” usually begins around the preteen years, between ages 11-12. This phase aims to fine-tune the alignment of permanent teeth, ensuring they fit together correctly to create a natural, healthy smile. Its key aspects include: 

  • Braces or Appliances: Depending on your child’s needs, Phase 2 may involve the use of braces, fixed appliances, removable appliances, or a combination of these to perfect the alignment of their teeth.
  • Natural Smile Development: Phase 2 focuses on helping your child develop a smile that not only looks great but functions optimally for biting, chewing, and speaking.

Indications Suggesting Orthodontic Need

Every child’s smile is unique, and while some dental irregularities are a normal part of development, others may benefit from orthodontic evaluation and treatment. As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of potential signs that say so. 

Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
While there is a range of normal variation in the timing of baby tooth loss, losing primary teeth significantly earlier or later than expected can be a sign of underlying orthodontic issues. 

Difficulty Chewing or Biting
If your child complains about pain or exhibits difficulty eating certain foods, it’s worth considering an early orthodontic evaluation.

Mouth Breathing
Persistent mouth breathing, especially when not due to a cold or congestion, can be a sign of orthodontic issues that require intervention. 

Jaws Shifting or Clicking
If you notice that your child’s jaws shift or click when they open and close their mouth, it could indicate bite problems or misalignment. 

Cheek Biting
In a normal bite, the outer cusps of the upper teeth hold the cheeks away from the lower chewing surfaces. If they frequently bite their cheeks, early assessment can help. 

Facial Imbalance
Orthodontic problems can affect not only the alignment of teeth but also the overall appearance of your child’s face. Consult if you notice any facial asymmetry or imbalance. 

Obvious Crowding or Teeth Misalignment
Obvious crowding of teeth or noticeable misalignment is a clear sign that orthodontic care may be necessary.

Why should malocclusions be treated?

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Similarly, protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping, while crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. 

Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier smile. 

Your Child’s First Orthodontic Examination

Your child’s initial orthodontic examination at Glaser Orthodontics is a crucial step toward achieving a healthy and confident smile. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

  • Our friendly team warmly welcomes your family to our comfortable office.
  • Dr. Glaser reviews your child’s medical history and relevant information.
  • He performs an examination, assessing your child’s teeth, jaws, and facial structure.
  • We use advanced tools like 3D imaging to get a detailed view of their oral anatomy.
  • Using these digital impressions, Dr. Glaser evaluates tooth alignment and bite issues.
  • Based on the assessment, he creates a personalized treatment plan for your child.
  • During the consultation, Dr. Glaser discusses treatment expectations, like duration and cost.
  • We encourage you to ask any questions or share concerns to ensure you’re well-informed.

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