What Are Some Reasons Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Care?

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Orthodontic care for kids doesn’t always begin with braces when they’re preteens or teens. Some kids need earlier intervention to help prevent more complex problems from occurring. At Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D., P.C., our orthodontists in Staten Island, NY, provide early orthodontic care. We may recommend this approach for your child for any of the following reasons.

Correct Bite Problems

When your child’s jaws don’t line up right, they can develop an underbite, overbite, open bite, or cross bite. These problems can affect their appearance and make it harder for them to speak and eat.

Reduce the Risk of Complex or Severe Issues

Early orthodontic treatment in Staten Island, NY, helps reduce the chance that your child will need more complex and costly treatment as they get older. Taking care of issues now can ensure that your child’s jaw and teeth grow and develop properly.

Create Space for Permanent Teeth

When there isn’t enough room for permanent teeth, they can end up crowding together and overlapping. This creates discomfort and oral health issues, since it’s harder to brush and floss between them. Early orthodontic treatment helps make room for all of your child’s permanent teeth.

What Are Signs Your Child Might Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Our orthodontists will check for physical signs that indicate orthodontic issues, like protruding teeth or misaligned jaws. Other signs may include problems speaking or difficulty chewing food. If your child sucks their thumb, we also check for early orthodontic problems related to this behavior.

Schedule Early Orthodontic Treatment Today!

Does your child need an orthodontic evaluation or early treatment? Our orthodontist at Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D., P.C. offers early orthodontic treatment in Staten Island, NY, to address issues earlier rather than later.

How Can You Help Your Child Adjust to Wearing Braces?

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Getting braces is a great way to correct problems that affect jaw alignment. But it’s not always easy for kids when they start wearing them. Our orthodontists in Staten Island, NY, at Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D., P.C. offer the following tips on what you can do to help your child get used to having them on their teeth.

Stock Up on Soft and Cold Foods

Braces cause some soreness at first, so offering your child soft foods that are easy to eat, like mashed potatoes, is helpful. Cold foods, such as ice cream or yogurt, can also help soothe aches and pains.

Offer Orthodontic Wax and OTC Medicine for Soreness

Use this kind of wax on wires and brackets that are causing irritation to help protect vulnerable areas, such as the tongue and inner cheeks.

Show Them How to Brush and Floss

After getting braces in Staten Island, NY, your child will need to make some adjustments to brushing and flossing. We’ll show you how it’s done, so you can teach your child at home.

Encourage Smiling and Boost Self-Esteem

It’s natural for kids to feel self-conscious about having braces on their teeth. Remind your child that this is a common treatment for kids, so they’re not alone. Have them practice smiling and talking to feel more confident in front of others.

Discuss Food Limitations

Go over the foods that your child will need to avoid while wearing braces, like popcorn and anything that’s hard or sticky.

Visit Our Orthodontists for Braces

Does your child have orthodontic issues? Our team at Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D., P.C. offers braces in Staten Island, NY, for children with alignment problems and other orthodontic conditions. We can provide additional advice for helping your child adjust to their new braces!