Our team of orthodontic specialists and staff strive to improve the health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and bite. We're happy to provide a complimentary consultation to determine the need and timing for orthodontic treatment. If you would like to schedule an appointment, or have questions,please contact us.
When should a child see an orthodontist?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time to begin treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by age seven for an evaluation. Although it may not be time to begin orthodontic treatment, regular periodic orthodontic examinations allow the doctors to monitor growth and development, identify any problems before they progress, and anticipate the most advantageous time to begin any necessary treatment.
Why evaluate a child at age seven?
At age seven, the first molars have erupted, establishing the bite of the back teeth. The doctor can then evaluate the bite, and the side to side and front to back relationships of the teeth. If intervention is necessary, the orthodontist can guide growth and development, preventing serious problems later. Most young patients don't need anything more than observation of growth and development while the permanent teeth are growing into place. If that is the case with you, we will enroll you in our Future Star Program, where we will schedule regular examinations to monitor your progress as you grow and your dentition develops.
What are the advantages of early intervention or interceptive treatment?
- Create room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Create facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Maintain space for unerupted teeth
- Reduce the need for permanent tooth removal
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not only for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves dental function and health for patients of all ages. Malocclusion (or bad bite) occurs as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment and can affect your appearance, how you chew, and your oral hygiene According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusion can result in a numerous of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Cross-bites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open-bites can create speech and eating difficulties. These are just some of the consequences of malocclusion that could affect you. A beautiful smile is more than aesthetic---it can be healthier too!
However, teeth grinding can literally transform your bite relationship and worse, severely damage your teeth and jaws over long periods of time.
Teeth grinding can cause abrasion to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This abnormal wear and tear will prematurely age and loosen your teeth, and open them to problems such as hypersensitivity (from the small cracks that form, exposing your dentin.) Bruxism can also lead to chronic jaw and facial pain, as well as headaches.
If no one has told you that you grind your teeth, here are a few clues that you may suffer from bruxism:
- Your jaw is often sore, or you hear popping sounds when you open and close your mouth.
- Your teeth look abnormally short or worn down.
- You notice small dents in your tongue.