How can we help you?
At Middletown Dental, we want you to be an active participant in achieving and maintaining your oral health, and we understand that you may have questions about your treatment. We welcome your questions, and we’ve included answers here to some of the questions we hear most. If you find that your question isn’t answered here, please feel free to contact our office.
Orthodontics
Parents often want to know what's the best age for their child's first orthodontic evaluation. The answer is around seven or eight years old.
Early orthodontic intervention is beneficial in some cases, and our dentist may recommend it in these cases:
- To alleviate crowded teeth
- To correct severe bite misalignment, like an overbite or underbite
- To guide jaw growth
Early treatment in phase one can also make it simpler and quicker to complete a second phase of orthodontic treatment in the future, which focuses on tooth alignment.
Why Early Orthodontic Care Is Important
Early orthodontic treatment for kids is beneficial in some cases, particularly when the child has severe tooth crowding or a problematic overbite or underbite. Early orthodontic intervention can use the child's growth patterns to alter the trajectory of their jaw growth and create space for future incoming adult teeth.
The advantages of early orthodontic treatment are:
- Correcting bite and jaw alignment while the child is still growing
- Improving chewing function
- Boosting your child's self-confidence
- Reducing future treatment times
Contact Your Middletown Dentist
At Middletown Dental, Dr. Sukumar offers comprehensive orthodontic treatment for adults and children. He can perform your child's first orthodontic evaluation and let you know if they would benefit from early intervention.
Speak with a team member at (732) 495-4444 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Sukumar.
It’s too bad that many people avoid orthodontics in Middletown, NJ because they think they have to wear a mouthful of metal brackets and wires. Today we are fortunate to have access to updated materials that allow us to create discreet braces that don’t mar your appearance.
Clear Braces, No Metal
Instead of using metal which is very conspicuous, at Middletown Dental, we can use brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic or plastic. When we combine the brackets with tooth-colored wires, the result is braces that are not as noticeable.
Our aesthetic braces look great and move teeth using the same principle as traditional metal braces, so they are just as effective. If you are an adult or older teen who wants to straighten crooked teeth without impacting your appearance, our tooth-colored braces may be the right choice for you.
Going through orthodontic treatment is a big commitment, and we want you to be happy and comfortable throughout the process. Feeling good about the way you look when you smile can boost your confidence and help keep you motivated during treatment.
Schedule an Appointment Today in Middletown
Dr. Sukumar would be happy to talk to you and explain how we customize your orthodontic treatment in Middletown, NJ. Please call us, and we will be happy to arrange a dental appointment for you with Dr. Sukumar
If you've had teeth extracted as part of your orthodontic treatment plan, you'll need to wait at least 2–3 weeks before braces can be placed. This waiting period is crucial to allow the extraction sites to heal properly.
Why Do I Need to Wait?
After extraction, a healing blood clot forms in the socket to protect underlying bone and nerves. Applying orthodontic pressure too soon could:
- Disrupt the healing process
- Increase discomfort
- Potentially lead to painful complications like dry socket
- Affect the success of orthodontic treatment
Does the Waiting Period Vary?
Yes! While 2-3 weeks is the minimum, your dentist may recommend a longer healing time depending on:
- The number of teeth extracted
- The complexity of the extractions
- Your healing rate
- Your overall oral health
- Your orthodontic treatment plan
What Should I Do While I Wait?
To ensure optimal healing before getting your braces:
- Follow all post-extraction care instructions provided by your dentist
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene while being gentle around extraction sites
- Attend follow-up appointments
Have Other Questions about Orthodontics?
At Middletown Dental, our dental team will carefully guide you through the process, from tooth extraction to the final reveal of your new, straight smile. If you have other questions about orthodontic treatment in Middletown, NJ, or want to meet with our dentist, please call to schedule a convenient appointment.
If you’ve been living with teeth that overlap, you know how it affects your confidence; however, you may not find the thought of wearing metal braces attractive either. The good news is that modern orthodontics offers solutions for adults who want to straighten their teeth with discretion, and Dr. Sukumar is well qualified to help!
The benefits of Invisalign
At Middletown Dental, we offer Invisalign, which uses clear plastic aligners to move your teeth instead of brackets and wires. The aligners are comfortable to wear, and virtually invisible so no one will know you are straightening your teeth. They’re also removable, so you won’t have to change your diet or home care routine during your treatment. Patients appreciate the efficiency and discretion that Invisalign offers.
Do you require another option?
If Invisalign is not right for your needs, Dr. Sukumar offers clear brackets that can help disguise orthodontic treatment for adults. He can help you determine what type of treatment is best for you during a consultation and examination. There may be other cosmetic options available to you as well. No matter your situation, your team at Middletown Dental will help you achieve a smile that you’ll be proud to share with the world again! Contact us today.