How do I know if I need braces?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Brad Elkin, Dr. Joshua Epstein, Dr. George Sargiss, Dr. Martin Epstein, Dr. Sonalee Kapoor and Dr. Debbie Parnes to schedule an initial consultation. Here are 12 warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth

2. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way

3. Mouth breathing

4. Finger sucking or other oral habits

5. Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth

6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or recede

7. Speech difficulty

8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth

9. Protruding teeth

10. Difficulty of chewing or biting

11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry

12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call at our Freehold, Manalapan or Hightstown, NJ office as soon as possible! Dr. Brad Elkin, Dr. Joshua Epstein, Dr. George Sargiss, Dr. Martin Epstein, Dr. Sonalee Kapoor and Dr. Debbie Parnes and our staff know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient or timely. If you are a patient of record, we are committed to your oral health and are available to you.