As your child's mouth grows, a variety of factors can affect how their teeth
align - which can result in problems with chewing and eating, and impact their self-confidence as they reach their teen years.
Regular exams enable us to watch for changes in your child's mouth to determine when, and what type(s) of treatments and/or appliances make the most sense, based on their age, the size of their teeth and structure of their jaws.
We can identify crowded or crooked teeth and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they come in the mouth and refer you to an Orthodontic specialist when necessary. Not only will this improve the look of your child's smile, but early treatment may prevent more extensive treatment later.
The advantage of orthodontic care far surpass appearance. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can straighten crooked teeth, guide teeth into proper position as they come in, correct bite problems, and even prevent the need for tooth extractions. Straight teeth not only look better, but are easier to keep clean and therefore less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
Growth &
Development
Thumb, Finger or Pacifier
Sucking on fingers and thumbs is a very common behavior seen in babies, even while they are still in the womb. Babies also interact with the world around them by biting or sucking; in many cases, this behavior is harmless, and the child grows out of the habit on their own. However, there are situations which sucking on fingers, thumbs, or pacifiers can affect the development of healthy teeth, and this is when it is time to intervene.
Typically, a child will suck on their fingers, thumbs, and pacifiers to feel secure. The American Academy of Dental Pediatrics (AAPD) explains that before 3 years of age, this is generally not something to worry about. Sucking habits that persist past a child's third birthday, however , can result in abnormal bite alignment or "tipped" teeth. This can occur whether the child has been sucking on fingers and thumbs or pacifiers. To prevent this, the AADP recommends simple, diligent reminders to break the habit, resulting in success for most children. If this is not enough to stop the behavior, we can assist with other solutions.