Answers from our dentists
Growth, bite & orthodontics
A great smile is about more than straight teeth — it's about how the jaws grow and how the bite comes together, and much of that is guided most easily while a child is still developing. These answers, reviewed with our board-certified orthodontist Dr. Lee Wu, help you understand what to watch for and when.
We explain why the recommended first orthodontic evaluation is age seven (and why that rarely means braces at seven), what early or "Phase 1" treatment is and who actually needs it, and how to choose between braces and clear aligners for kids and teens. You'll also find honest takes on how long treatment takes, whether Invisalign suits your teen, the signs that a child may need braces, how habits like thumb-sucking and mouth-breathing affect the bite, and what a palatal expander does.
Because our pediatric dentists and orthodontist share one roof and one chart, your child's growth is watched as a natural part of regular checkups — no outside referral, no starting over. Curious whether it's time for a look, or how treatment and benefits work? Call us at (201) 345-3637 and we'll walk you through it.
- When should my child first see an orthodontist? The recommended age for a first orthodontic evaluation is seven. That doesn't mean braces at seven — most children who are seen simply get monitored. It means an orthodontist can spot developing bite or spacing issues early, when guiding growth is easiest and most effective. Read the answer
- What is Phase 1 (early / interceptive) orthodontics? Phase 1 orthodontics is early treatment done while a child still has mostly baby teeth, usually between ages six and ten. It guides jaw growth and creates space to prevent bigger problems later. Not every child needs it — it's for specific issues best corrected while a child is still growing. Read the answer
- Braces vs. clear aligners for kids and teens — how to choose Braces are fixed to the teeth and handle nearly any case, including complex ones — ideal when you don't want to rely on a child remembering to wear them. Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, great for motivated teens with milder-to-moderate needs. The right choice depends on the case and the child. Read the answer
- Is Invisalign a good option for my teen? For many teens, yes. Clear aligners are nearly invisible, comfortable, and removable for eating and brushing — a big plus for self-conscious teenagers. The catch is consistency: they must be worn 20–22 hours a day. For a responsible, motivated teen with a suitable case, they work beautifully. Read the answer
- How long does orthodontic treatment take? Most orthodontic treatment takes somewhere between one and three years, with the average around two. The exact time depends on how much correction is needed, the treatment type, your child's age and growth, and how well they follow instructions — like wearing aligners or elastics as directed. Read the answer
- What are the signs my child may need braces? Common signs include crowded or crooked teeth, noticeable gaps, front teeth that stick out, or teeth that don't meet properly when biting. Difficulty chewing, mouth-breathing, or a thumb-sucking habit past age four can also point to a developing bite issue. An age-seven evaluation catches these early. Read the answer
- Does thumb-sucking or mouth-breathing affect my child's bite? Both can. Prolonged, vigorous thumb-sucking past about age four can push the front teeth out and create an open bite. Chronic mouth-breathing — often from enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or allergies — can affect how the jaw and face develop. Addressing the cause early helps the bite develop normally. Read the answer
- What is a palatal expander and how does it work? A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance that gently widens a child's upper jaw. It's used for a narrow arch or a crossbite, and works best while a child is still growing, when the two halves of the upper jaw can be guided apart slightly. Treatment is usually gradual and well-tolerated. Read the answer
More from our blog
- Braces and Aligners for Adults: Not Just for Kids
- Living With Braces: Foods, Cleaning, and Comfort
- Life After Braces: Retainers and Keeping Teeth Straight
- What Is Interproximal Reduction in Orthodontics?
- What Are Power Chains on Braces?
- What Are Orthodontic Separators or Spacers?
- What Are Bite Turbos or Bite Blocks?
- Mouth Breathing and Snoring in Kids: The Airway Guide
- Why Do Teeth Feel Loose During Orthodontic Treatment?
- What If a Teen Forgets to Wear Aligners?
- What Are Orthodontic Elastics and Why Do They Matter?
- Can Teens Play Musical Instruments With Braces?
- When Should Teens Have Wisdom Teeth Evaluated?
- What Are Clear Aligner Attachments?
- What Are Aligner Refinements?
- Do Wisdom Teeth Make Front Teeth Crooked?
- Why Might an Orthodontist Remove Permanent Teeth?
- What Is Serial Extraction in Orthodontics?
- What Is Orthodontic Root Resorption?
- What Are 2x4 Braces for Children?
- What Is an Impacted Canine in a Teen?
- What Is a Dental Midline Shift?
- Missing Lateral Incisors in Teens: Treatment Options
- Is a Gap Between a Child's Front Teeth Normal?
- Underbite in Children: Causes and Treatment Timing
- Open Bite in Children: Causes and Next Steps
- Crowded Teeth vs. Spaced Teeth in Children
- Crossbite in Children: Front Teeth vs. Back Teeth
- What Happens at an Orthodontic Records Appointment?
- Overbite vs. Overjet in Children
- When Is CBCT Imaging Used for Children and Teens?
- Digital Dental Scans vs. Impressions for Kids
- Jaw Clicking and Popping in Teens
- Types of Space Maintainers for Children
- What Happens When a Baby Tooth Is Lost Too Early?
- Does My Child Need a Space Maintainer?