If you notice a problem with your child’s teeth or if your dentist recommends you take them to an orthodontic provider, it is in your child’s best interest to make an appointment. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options become limited, more difficult to treat, and the long-term stability may be compromised. In addition, it may lead to extractions, oral surgery and increased costs.
Signs Of Possible Orthodontic Problems:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb and finger sucking
- Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Benefits Of Timely Orthodontic Treatment May Include:
- Improved access for oral hygiene to prevent the development of cavities and gum disease
- Improved speech and the ability to chew food efficiently
- Influence growth of the jaws in a positive manner
- Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth
- Reduced tooth wear by reducing clenching and/or grinding
- Reduced tendency for progressive shifting of teeth
- Reduced potential for damage to jaw joints
- Reduced or eliminated need to extract permanent teeth
- Lower the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Correct harmful oral habits
- Improved the width of dental arches
- Reduced likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Improved lip closure and reduced lip strain
- Improved self-image and self-confidence
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical developmental years