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 can play an important role in the appearance and health of your child. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that an orthodontist examine children by the time they are seven years old — and yes, that means while baby teeth are still in their mouths. Your child’s dentist is trained to identify bite issues at an early age and will refer a child to an orthodontist at the appropriate point in time.

To create a smile that lasts a lifetime, your child needs teeth that are straight and jaws that are aligned properly. That all begins with the baby teeth; the way they are aligned, when and how they fall out, and how much room they are allowing or not allowing for the emergence of permanent adult teeth. That’s why it’s a good idea to have an orthodontist exam your child while they still have their baby teeth.

While your child’s teeth may look straight, there may be underlying problems with the way adult teeth may be coming in, with deep bites, open bites, and cross bites, with the relationship of the upper and lower jaw, with tooth crowding, or problems that may be occurring due to thumbsucking or other habits. Orthodontists can pinpoint these problems, even if they are subtle, and can start correcting any problems to avoid potential problems for future adult teeth. By age seven, enough permanent teeth have emerged for your orthodontist to evaluate relationships developing between teeth, jaw and bite and make sure all will continue to develop as they should.

Your child may or may not need orthodontic work. That will be determined by the examination. But no matter what, you will get the peace of mind that early detection and treatment will result in a lifelong smile for your child.

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!

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