Orthodontic treatment can help children and adults, though the right time and approach differ. A growing child might need an early bite evaluation. An adult might want to address teeth that have shifted or a bite that has never felt comfortable. At Eisenberger and Meister Orthodontics in Passaic, we treat children and adults according to their dental health, stage of growth, and daily life. A consultation can tell you whether to begin treatment or keep an eye on things.
When should children and adults see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic checkup no later than age 7. That visit does not mean braces will start right away. The orthodontist looks at emerging permanent teeth, the bite, and jaw development. Many children return for monitoring as more permanent teeth come in.
“The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7.” – American Association of Orthodontists
Book an evaluation sooner if your child struggles to bite or chew, loses baby teeth unusually early or late, or has prominent front teeth, crowding, a crossbite, or a jaw that shifts when they close their mouth. The orthodontist can explain whether to observe the issue, use an early appliance such as a palatal expander, or plan treatment later.
For teens, crowded teeth and bite concerns often become easier to plan around once more permanent teeth have arrived. A teenager’s schedule, sports, oral-hygiene habits, and willingness to wear removable aligners also shape the choice of appliance.
Adults come in for crowding, spacing, a bite that does not meet comfortably, or teeth that moved after previous braces. There is no upper age limit for a consultation. Tell the orthodontist about gum disease, cavities, missing teeth, crowns, and implants so they can plan around them and coordinate with your dentist if needed.
Why you may need orthodontic treatment
Crooked teeth, spacing, an open bite, or an uncomfortable bite can prompt an orthodontic evaluation. Straightening teeth is only part of the goal. Properly aligned teeth should also meet comfortably. If you or your child has persistent mouth breathing or jaw pain, raise that with a healthcare professional; orthodontic treatment alone may not resolve those symptoms.
Overcrowding
Teeth can overlap or erupt out of position when the dental arch has too little room. For a growing child, the orthodontist can consider available space and jaw development. With adults, they must work with fully developed jaws and existing healthy teeth. The amount of crowding and the bite shape the choice of braces, aligners, or another approach.
How we treat children and adults at each age
Children: use the growth window wisely
During an early visit, the orthodontist can spot problems while your child’s jaws are still growing. A crossbite that makes the lower jaw slide to one side, or too little space for emerging teeth, may call for early treatment. Some children have a first phase, a monitoring period, and then another phase after permanent teeth erupt. Others can wait without an appliance.
Early treatment takes time and cooperation. You may need to help your child brush around an appliance, and your child needs to know why they are wearing it. Ask which problem needs attention now and what could happen if you wait.
Teens: match the appliance to the person
Teens can consider metal braces, clear ceramic braces, custom fixed braces, and clear aligners. Fixed braces suit someone who might struggle to keep removable trays in for the prescribed time. Aligners come out for meals and brushing, so your teen must follow the wear schedule. The bite and the movements needed also influence the choice.
Adults: account for the whole dental history
Braces and aligners can move adult teeth, including teeth that shifted years after earlier treatment. An adult with a substantial difference in jaw position needs a different plan from a growing child whose jaw development can still be guided. The orthodontist also considers gum health and restorations, sometimes working with a general dentist or periodontal specialist.
Adults do not automatically spend longer in treatment than children. The bite’s complexity, oral health, appliance, and adherence to instructions all affect timing. Ask for an estimate based on your own case.
Adult orthodontic treatment options
Adult patients may choose discreet removable aligners or fixed braces if both suit the bite. If your teeth shifted after earlier treatment, you might need a new retainer or more tooth movement. A more involved bad bite may also call for help from another dental specialist. First establish which options can address the bite; then weigh appearance and convenience.
Braces or clear aligners: which fits your goals?
Fixed braces and removable aligners both straighten teeth. Your choice depends on the movements your bite needs and the appliance you or your child can manage throughout treatment.
|
Option |
Main practical advantage |
Main commitment |
Worth discussing when |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Metal braces |
Fixed brackets provide continuous control without remembering trays |
Brush carefully around brackets and adjust food choices |
You want a fixed option for your child’s or your own treatment |
|
Clear ceramic braces |
Tooth-colored brackets make fixed treatment less conspicuous |
Careful cleaning is still needed around brackets and wires |
You prefer fixed treatment with a subtler appearance |
|
LightForce custom ceramic braces |
Digitally planned, individually 3D-printed brackets tailor a fixed appliance to the patient |
They remain fixed and still require appliance care |
Customization and the look of ceramic brackets appeal to you |
|
Invisalign clear aligners |
Removable trays make meals and brushing simpler |
Consistent daily wear and keeping track of trays |
You value discretion and can follow the wear plan |
Eisenberger and Meister offers Invisalign and LightForce custom braces. Its doctors hold Invisalign Sapphire Provider status, placing them in the top 0.5% of orthodontic specialists. That experience does not make aligners suitable for every bite. The practice says LightForce may reduce treatment time and appointments, though your own timeline depends on the case.
You will need a retainer to help hold your teeth in place after active treatment. Ask which type you would wear and for how long, especially if you are returning because teeth shifted after an earlier course of treatment. Children and adults both need a retention plan.
What happens at an orthodontic consultation?
At the first visit, tell the orthodontist what bothers you. They will ask about your dental and medical history, examine the bite and tooth positions, and take records or imaging if needed for planning. For a child, they will consider growth and whether it makes sense to wait. For an adult, they may discuss gum health, prior dental work, and whether your dentist should be involved. You should leave knowing why they recommend the plan.
Bring a short list of questions:
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What specific problem are we treating, and what happens if we wait?
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Are braces and aligners both suitable for this bite? Why do you recommend one?
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Will treatment need stages, extractions, expansion, or work with another dental specialist?
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What is the estimated treatment time, visit pattern, total cost, and retainer plan?
One family might bring in a child who needs an expander and a parent who wants discreet crowding treatment. Each needs a separate plan. Eisenberger and Meister offers complimentary consultations, carefully scheduled visits, a warm spa-like office, and Dental Monitoring for added convenience. You can ask how monitoring fits your treatment and which appointments still happen in person.
Bring up cost at the first visit. The practice offers financing support and advertises 0% APR options and no hard credit checks. Available terms depend on the financial arrangement, so talk through the full treatment cost and payment plan before you commit.
Orthodontic care for Passaic and North Jersey
Our Passaic office welcomes children, teens, and adults from nearby communities. We want to be the best orthodontic choice for your family in North Jersey, with a plan tailored to the patient, modern appliances, and a comfortable visit. The practice reports a combined 38 years in practice and more than 15,000 smiles crafted.
Families travel to Passaic from nearby towns and the wider North Jersey area:
|
County |
Communities |
|---|---|
|
Passaic County |
Passaic, Clifton, Paterson, Haledon, Prospect Park, Hawthorne, North Haledon, Totowa, Woodland Park, Little Falls, Wayne, Pompton Lakes, Bloomingdale, Wanaque, Ringwood, and West Milford |
|
Bergen County |
Garfield, Wallington, Lodi, Saddle Brook, Elmwood Park, Fair Lawn, East Rutherford, Rutherford, Carlstadt, Wood-Ridge, Hasbrouck Heights, Lyndhurst, North Arlington, South Hackensack, Hackensack, and Maywood |
|
Essex County |
Nutley, Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Montclair, Cedar Grove, Verona, Newark, East Orange, West Orange, and Livingston |
|
Hudson County |
Secaucus, Kearny, Harrison, North Bergen, Union City, Hoboken, and Jersey City |
|
Morris County |
Lincoln Park, Pequannock, Montville, Parsippany, Florham Park, and Morristown |
These towns are grouped by county; the office itself is in Passaic. Patients from these communities can come in for an individual assessment.
A plan that fits your life
A child’s first orthodontic visit may happen years before treatment starts. Adults can seek help for teeth that have shifted, even after jaw growth is complete. In either case, a consultation should explain the bite, the options, and when to act. Eisenberger and Meister Orthodontics offers experienced care, Invisalign and custom braces, and a complimentary consultation in Passaic. Schedule a visit to see what makes sense for you or your child.
FAQ
What is the difference between a crossbite and an overbite?
A crossbite means some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside them. An overbite describes how far the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically. An orthodontist looks at both tooth position and jaw movement before recommending treatment.
What is considered severe malocclusion?
Malocclusion means the teeth or jaws do not meet in an ideal way; severity depends on the specific bite, tooth positions, and effect on function. An orthodontist may look for pronounced crowding, a substantial bite discrepancy, or a jaw shift rather than assigning severity from a photograph alone. The consultation determines what needs treatment and whether other dental specialists should be involved.
How do braces change your face?
Braces move teeth and can change how the smile and lips are supported, but they do not predictably reshape every patient’s face. The effect depends on the starting bite and the treatment plan; jaw growth in children and completed growth in adults call for different expectations. Ask the orthodontist what changes are realistic for your particular case.