We use a variety of approaches to help fix Malocclusions

ORTHODONTIC SERVICES & TREATMENTS

Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one’s appearance.

Many different types of appliances, both fixed and removable, are used to help move teeth, retrain muscles and affect the growth of the jaws. These appliances work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws. The severity of your problem will determine which orthodontic approach is likely to be the most effective.

What conditions require Orthodontic Treatment?

Some of your child’s behaviors may give some indication that an orthodontic examination is in order. Conditions that warrant further evaluation by an orthodontist:

  • Child Loses baby teeth early or late
  • Has difficulty chewing or biting
  • Breaths through their mouth
  • Sucks their thumb
  • Has crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • Has a jaw that shifts or makes sounds
  • Has difficulty speaking
  • Bites their cheek or the roof of their mouth
  • Has teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
  • Has a facial imbalance
  • Grinds or clenches their teeth
  • Have jaws that appear too far forward or too far back

Teeth and Bite Conditions That Can Be Treated by Orthodontics

Types of teeth and bite conditions that may be cause for orthodontic treatment include:

  • Open bites
  • Deep bites
  • Cross bites
  • Overjets
  • Crowding
  • Spacing
  • Teeth not emerging in the right sequence
  • Missing teeth
  • Congenitally missing teeth
  • Ankylosed teeth: a condition where the tooth stops erupting and stays in the same place, causing the permanent tooth to be displaced upon emergence

When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist?

Bright Day Orthodontics understands the crucial role orthodontic care plays in both the appearance and health of your child. In line with the American Association of Orthodontics’ recommendation, we emphasize early orthodontic examinations, even as early as age seven when baby teeth are still present. Your child’s dentist can identify potential bite issues at this stage and will refer them to an orthodontist at the appropriate time.

Creating a lasting smile begins with the alignment of baby teeth – how they are positioned, when they fall out, and the space they allow for permanent adult teeth to emerge. Having your child examined by an orthodontist while they still have their baby teeth can be extremely beneficial.

Although your child’s teeth may appear straight, there could be underlying issues affecting the development of their adult teeth. Problems like deep bites, open bites, cross bites, misaligned jaws, tooth crowding, or habits like thumb-sucking can be addressed by orthodontists, even if they are subtle. Identifying and correcting these issues early can prevent potential problems for your child’s future adult teeth.

By age seven, enough permanent teeth have emerged for our orthodontist to evaluate how their teeth, jaw, and bite are developing. We ensure everything progresses as it should, providing you with peace of mind and the knowledge that early detection and treatment can lead to a lifelong, confident smile for your child.

While it may or may not be determined that your child needs orthodontic work, the examination is essential. Rest assured that our expert team at Bright Day Orthodontics will provide the best care and guidance for your child’s dental health.

Take the first step towards your child’s radiant smile – schedule an orthodontic examination with Bright Day Orthodontics today!

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Make an appointment to learn more about how Dr. Lovell can help and the best course of treatment to create your smile!