Guiding growing smiles toward perfect alignment — specialized orthodontic care designed specifically for young patients.
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Are you wondering when your child should see an orthodontist or concerned about their developing bite? At Park Smiles NYC, we provide specialized orthodontic care for children and adolescents in our welcoming Manhattan practice. Our board-certified specialists create age-appropriate treatment plans that address current issues while planning for future development, all in a comfortable environment designed with young patients in mind.
Pediatric orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding dental development and jaw growth in children and adolescents to create properly aligned teeth and balanced facial proportions. Unlike adult orthodontics that primarily addresses existing alignment issues, pediatric orthodontics takes advantage of natural growth patterns to prevent or minimize future problems.
This specialty area includes early intervention treatments for younger children (Phase 1), comprehensive orthodontics for adolescents with permanent teeth (Phase 2), and growth modification therapies that influence jaw development. By addressing orthodontic issues during periods of active growth, we can often achieve results that would be more difficult or require more invasive approaches in adulthood.
Our Manhattan orthodontist, Dr. Helen Choi, specializes in creating age-appropriate treatment plans that consider both current needs and anticipated development, ensuring optimal results while maintaining comfort and cooperation from our young patients.
Give your child the gift of a confident smile that will last a lifetime. Early orthodontic intervention sets the foundation for optimal dental development.
In the past, fixed metal braces were the only option for braces for children and adolescents/ teens (and adults when needed). But traditional metal braces were unsightly, uncomfortable and could contribute to more dental and hygiene problems due to difficulty brushing and flossing while wearing them. While much more advanced metal braces are still available as an option today, there are now alternatives that offer a wide array of benefits and advantages. These include:
Early orthodontic intervention offers significant advantages beyond aesthetics, establishing foundations for lifelong oral health and function. By addressing alignment issues during periods of active growth, we can guide jaw development, create proper space for permanent teeth, and potentially reduce the need for more invasive treatments later.
For many children, early treatment corrects harmful habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting before they cause permanent changes to dental alignment or facial growth. Addressing crossbites, severe crowding, or protruding teeth during childhood also reduces the risk of dental trauma and improves chewing function during important developmental years.
Beyond the physical benefits, timely orthodontic care can have profound psychological impacts. Correcting visible alignment issues before adolescence—when social awareness intensifies—can protect self-confidence during formative years. Our Manhattan patients and their parents frequently report improved social interaction and greater willingness to smile following successful early intervention.
At Park Smiles NYC, your child’s orthodontic care is led by Dr. Hye Yoon “Helen” Choi, our board-certified orthodontist with specific expertise in pediatric and adolescent treatment. With elite training from UCSF and the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Choi combines technical excellence with a gentle, engaging approach that helps young patients feel comfortable throughout treatment.
What truly distinguishes our pediatric orthodontic care is our multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Choi collaborates closely with our pediatric dentists, Dr. Jessica Brezel Kaplan and Dr. Dascher Branch-Elliman, ensuring seamless coordination between preventive care and orthodontic treatment. This team-based model provides comprehensive oversight of your child’s oral development from multiple specialist perspectives.
Our Manhattan practice is specifically designed to create positive experiences for patients of all ages, with special consideration for our younger visitors. From a welcoming environment to age-appropriate explanations and gentle treatment approaches, we focus on building positive associations with dental care that will benefit your child throughout life.
Our Manhattan practice specializes in creating positive dental experiences for young patients. We understand that children and teenagers have unique needs and concerns about orthodontic treatment. Our team takes extra time to explain procedures using age-appropriate language, demonstrate tools, and address any anxiety. Treatment plans are designed with school schedules, activities, and compliance considerations in mind, ensuring the process fits comfortably into your child’s lifestyle.
Unlike standalone orthodontic practices, Park Smiles NYC offers truly integrated care through our team of pediatric dental specialists and orthodontists. Your child’s treatment benefits from seamless coordination between preventive care, orthodontics, and any other necessary specialties. This comprehensive approach ensures all aspects of oral health are addressed simultaneously, creating efficient treatment timelines and optimal outcomes without traveling between multiple offices.
Our pediatric orthodontic philosophy centers on anticipating development rather than simply reacting to current conditions. Dr. Choi’s expertise in growth and development allows her to create forward-looking treatment plans that accommodate future changes while addressing immediate concerns. This approach often leads to more stable results, shorter overall treatment times, and reduced complexity in adolescent orthodontic phases.
Signs that your child might benefit from orthodontic evaluation include visibly crooked teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb-sucking beyond age 5, speech difficulties, and teeth that don’t meet properly when closing the mouth. However, many orthodontic issues aren’t obvious to untrained eyes, which is why professional evaluation around age 7 is recommended regardless of visible concerns. At our Manhattan practice, we perform comprehensive assessments that identify subtle issues that could develop into more significant problems later if left unaddressed.
There isn’t a universal “best age” for orthodontic treatment, as timing depends on each child’s specific development and needs. For some children, early intervention between ages 7-10 provides significant benefits by addressing growth-related issues. Most comprehensive orthodontic treatment with full braces or Invisalign occurs between ages 11-14 when most permanent teeth have erupted but growth is still ongoing. During your child’s consultation at our Manhattan office, Dr. Choi will recommend optimal timing based on their unique developmental stage and specific orthodontic needs.
Supporting your child through orthodontic treatment involves both practical assistance and emotional encouragement. Practically, help them establish good oral hygiene routines adapted to their appliances, prepare appropriate foods during adjustment periods, and keep track of appointments and elastic wear if needed. Emotionally, emphasize the temporary nature of treatment and the long-term benefits while acknowledging any discomfort or social concerns. Our Manhattan team provides comprehensive guidance for parents, including specific recommendations for each treatment phase and age group.
At Park Smiles NYC in Manhattan, NYC, our mission is to provide every patient with exceptional care, prioritizing comfort, compassion, and excellence at every step.
We are dedicated to delivering outstanding results through personalized attention in a welcoming and supportive environment. Led by Dr. Krystle Kendall, D.M.D., our skilled team offers a full range of top-quality dental services—all conveniently available under one roof in Manhattan.
Our skilled team in Manhattan, NYC is dedicated to offering a comprehensive array of the very best dental services
Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry
Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Orthodontics
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With Cherry we offer our patients the best “buy now, pay later” solution with high approvals, low cost, and a seamless experience.
At Park Smiles in Manhattan, NYC, we make it easy for you to receive top-quality dental care in a convenient and accessible location. Whether you’re due for a routine checkup or seeking specialized treatment, our friendly team is here to provide exceptional service in a comfortable setting.
We look forward to welcoming you to our office and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your appointment today!
If you are ready to enhance your smile, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Park Smiles NYC are here to help. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of services, from orthodontics to teeth whitening, to meet all your oral health needs. We understand the importance of a healthy smile for your overall well-being and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your treatment journey.
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