Orthodontic Care FAQs
Orthodontic Care Faqs
When should I consider seeking orthodontic treatment for my child?
The optimal time for your child's first orthodontic assessment can be as early as age seven. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by then, allowing us to evaluate problems with spacing, alignment and bite. Treatment may not be needed at this time, but an evaluation allows for early intervention if necessary.
How can I tell if my child needs orthodontic treatment?
If your child exhibits any of the following, an orthodontic evaluation may be beneficial
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Mouth breathing
- Speech impediments
- Thumb sucking past age 5
- Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Crowded front teeth
- Protruding front teeth
- Crossbite, underbite or overbite
What can I expect during an orthodontic assessment?
During an evaluation, we'll thoroughly examine your child's teeth for potential orthodontic issues. We'll check the progress of tooth eruption and make sure there is space available for permanent teeth to grow in properly. We'll also evaluate the bite to make sure it is properly aligned.
Whether or not treatment is indicated, we always sit down with you to discuss our findings and answer your questions. If treatment is necessary, we will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic care can play a critical role in achieving lifelong oral health.
With early intervention, we can guide the growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth, regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, correct protruding or misaligned teeth, correct bite alignment and address other orthodontic issues as indicated.
Addressing these issues can prevent or correct an array of potential oral health problems. For instance, properly spaced teeth allow for better brushing and flossing, which helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Well-aligned teeth help reduce the risk of chipping or injury. A properly aligned bite helps avoid uneven growth and enamel wear, and helps prevent harmful tongue-thrusting habits, swallowing difficulties and even speech impediments.
By the time your child reaches the teenage years, jawbone tissue begins to harden, making it more difficult to change the jawbone structure and to move the teeth. By seeking care early, you can make sure that any orthodontic issues can be treated as effectively and in as timely a manner as possible.
What types of orthodontic treatments are available?
At Laxer, Long & Savage, we are committed to providing your child with advanced, personalized orthodontic care, enhanced by our expertise in pediatric dentistry.
After a careful evaluation, we will develop an individual treatment plan for your child. We offer many different types of braces, and will work with you to select the type most suitable for your child's needs and preferences.
If necessary, we are also experienced in orthognathic surgery to treat and correct abnormalities of the jaws and teeth. Advanced technologies and procedures allow us to minimize treatment and recovery time, so that your child can return to a normal routine as soon as possible.