Orthodontics Specialist
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Kids Dental Center
Pediatric Dentist located in Greenbelt, MD
Orthodontics is a specialized dental service provided by Bosede Adeniji, DDS, at Kids Dental Center that focuses on preventing and correcting problems with your child’s bite, or the way their teeth come together when they bite down. Orthodontic treatments such as braces make a dramatic difference in your child’s appearance and protect the health of their teeth and gums. If your child is aged six or older, it’s time to think about an orthodontic evaluation. To schedule an appointment, use online booking or call the office in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Orthodontics Q & A
What dental problems are corrected with orthodontics?
Braces can straighten crooked or twisted teeth, reduce spaces between teeth, and correct the following misalignment problems:
- Overbite: Upper teeth are too far forward compared to the lower teeth
- Underbite: Lower teeth are too far forward compared to upper teeth
- Crossbite: Upper teeth don’t close over your lower teeth properly
- Open bite: Open spaces between your upper and lower front teeth
When misalignment is not corrected, the uneven pressure while chewing makes teeth vulnerable to damage and decay. Misalignment can also affect speech development, making it hard to speak properly.
When should children get an orthodontic evaluation?
Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of six or seven. At this age, Dr. Adeniji determines whether problems already exist and if their permanent teeth will grow in properly.
What are phase 1 and phase 2 orthodontic treatment?
The best orthodontic results are achieved while children are still growing. Because the teeth are easier to move, it may be possible to prevent the need for braces.
Phase 1 orthodontics occurs between ages six and nine. This stage focuses on problems with jaw growth and misalignment and may include braces or other orthodontic treatments.
Phase 2 orthodontic treatment focuses on aligning the teeth for optimal function, stability, and appearance. This is the phase most associated with orthodontics because the treatment plan always includes braces.
What will your child’s braces look like?
Your child will be happy that the team at Kids Dental Center offer a variety of braces that aren’t as noticeable as traditional metal braces.
These “alternative” braces are less visible because the brackets are clear or tooth-colored, and the wires are made of space-age materials that are less noticeable. Sometimes, the brackets can go on the back of your child’s teeth.
Can my child get Invisalign® aligners instead of braces?
Invisalign aligners do the same job as traditional braces, but they’re virtually invisible because they’re made of clear plastic. The aligners are easy to remove for eating and brushing; then, you put them back in again.
Teens and older children can use Invisalign if they keep the aligners on their teeth for 20-22 hours per day. That’s the amount of time required for the aligners to effectively reposition their teeth.
If you have questions about your child’s teeth or orthodontics, call Kids Dental Center or book an appointment online.
