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When parents think of orthodontics, they often picture straight teeth. But orthodontic treatment is about much more than aesthetics — it plays a crucial role in jaw and facial development. A child’s jaw growth impacts breathing, speech, chewing, and overall facial symmetry.
At Sacks Orthodontics, Dr. Eric Sacks and Dr. Vidhi Shah specialize in growth-focused orthodontic care to ensure that your child’s smile develops in a healthy, functional way. By addressing jaw development early, we can help prevent complex issues later in life.
Children’s jaws continue to grow and develop throughout childhood, with critical growth periods before puberty. However, not all jaw growth happens evenly or correctly. Some children experience issues such as:
Narrow Palates – A small upper jaw can lead to crowding, airway issues, or speech difficulties.
Overbites – The upper jaw extends too far over the lower jaw.
Underbites – The lower jaw protrudes in front of the upper jaw.
Crossbites – The upper and lower jaws don’t align properly, leading to asymmetry.
While some children outgrow minor misalignments, many do not. Without proper intervention, these issues can lead to TMJ pain, speech problems, difficulty chewing, and even breathing concerns.
At Sacks Orthodontics, we offer customized, growth-focused treatment plans to help guide jaw development and create a healthy, functional smile.
A palatal expander is a device used to widen the upper jaw, correcting narrow palates and crossbites. This treatment is often recommended for younger children while the jaw is still growing. Expanding the palate can also improve breathing by opening the airway.
For children with an underdeveloped lower jaw, we may recommend growth modification appliances. These devices help guide the lower jaw forward, correcting overbites and improving facial balance.
In cases where teeth need to be guided into proper alignment, braces or clear aligners may be used. At Sacks Orthodontics, we offer LightForce braces — customized 3D-printed braces designed for a precise fit and faster results.
For patients who prefer a clear, removable option, Invisalign is another effective treatment choice. Invisalign aligners gradually shift teeth while allowing for normal jaw function and development.
For some children, early intervention is recommended to correct jaw growth problems before they become more severe. By addressing issues early, treatment can often be shorter and less invasive.
By guiding jaw development at the right time, orthodontic treatment can:
Not every child will need early orthodontic treatment, but an evaluation by age 7 can help determine if intervention is necessary.
If your child exhibits any of the following signs, it may be time for an orthodontic consultation:
At Sacks Orthodontics, our team will assess your child’s jaw growth and bite alignment to create a personalized treatment plan designed for optimal long-term results.
Early orthodontic treatment can make a huge difference in your child’s oral health, facial development, and confidence. If you have concerns about your child’s jaw growth, don’t wait—the earlier we assess their needs, the more effective treatment can be.
Schedule a free consultation today at Sacks Orthodontics and take the first step toward a healthy, confident smile for your child.
If you’re in the northeastern New Jersey area, schedule an appointment with Sacks Orthodontics. You can start with a free virtual consult or request an in-office consultation. We can work with you on a treatment plan, and we’ll work with you on a way to pay for that plan because we believe orthodontic care should never be cost-prohibitive. You shouldn’t have to live with a bad bite, and thanks to the team at Sacks Orthodontics, you don’t have to!
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