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 Adults now make up roughly one in four orthodontic patients — teeth move at any age. Adult treatment differs in real ways: no growth to guide, sometimes longer timelines, more attention to gum health, and discreet options like clear aligners and low-profile braces that fit professional life.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- Living With Braces: Foods, Cleaning, and Comfort Life with braces runs on three systems: food rules (nothing hard, sticky, or bitten head-on), a cleaning routine upgraded for hardware (brush after meals, water flosser at night), and comfort management for adjustment days. Master those and the months fly — and the reveal comes out spot-free.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- Life After Braces: Retainers and Keeping Teeth Straight Teeth have memory: without retainers, they drift back — fastest in the first months after braces come off, and slowly forever. The trade is simple and worth it: nightly retainer wear, likely for the long haul, protects the years and effort your family just invested in that smile.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- What Is Interproximal Reduction in Orthodontics? Interproximal reduction, or IPR, is the controlled removal of a small measured amount of enamel between selected teeth. Orthodontists may use it to create limited space, improve tooth-shape proportions, reduce dark triangular gaps, or coordinate the bite.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- What Are Power Chains on Braces? A power chain is a connected row of elastic loops stretched across orthodontic brackets. It can help close spaces, pull groups of teeth together, or provide continuous force within a planned wire system. The chain does not work independently of the braces.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- What Are Orthodontic Separators or Spacers? Orthodontic separators, often called spacers, are small elastic rings or metal springs placed between teeth to create enough room for a band at a later visit. They usually stay in for several days.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- What Are Bite Turbos or Bite Blocks? Bite turbos or bite blocks are small buildups placed on selected teeth—or incorporated into an appliance—to keep the full bite from closing temporarily. They can prevent teeth from hitting brackets, help unlock a crossbite, or assist vertical correction.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- Mouth Breathing and Snoring in Kids: The Airway Guide An occasional snore with a cold is normal. Nightly snoring, gasping, restless sleep, or a mouth that hangs open all day is not — it can point to airway obstruction that affects sleep quality, daytime behavior, facial growth, and the bite. The fix starts with finding the cause.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- Why Do Teeth Feel Loose During Orthodontic Treatment? Teeth can feel slightly loose during braces or aligner treatment because the ligament and bone around them are remodeling to permit movement. Mild, generalized mobility without severe pain is often expected.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- What If a Teen Forgets to Wear Aligners? After a short lapse, a teen should usually resume the current prescribed aligner rather than skip ahead, but the orthodontist's instructions take priority. If the tray will not seat fully, causes significant pain, or several days or weeks were missed, contact the office.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- What Are Orthodontic Elastics and Why Do They Matter? Orthodontic elastics are small removable rubber bands worn between specific hooks on braces or aligners to influence how upper and lower teeth fit. Their direction and strength are prescribed for a particular bite goal.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez
- Can Teens Play Musical Instruments With Braces? Most teens can continue playing brass, woodwind, string, percussion, and keyboard instruments during orthodontic treatment. Braces may temporarily affect lip comfort and embouchure; aligners may alter tongue space or need removal for some players. Adaptation often takes days to weeks.Growth, Bite & Orthodontics Say Cheez