When is Early Orthodontic Intervention Recommended?

Orthodontic treatment can be a topic of contention for many parents. After all, a child’s teeth and jaw bone are still developing, and continue to do so well into their teenage years. However, an orthodontic screening should be carried out early in the child’s life so that dental problems that might affect the child in later years can be detected earlier.

Most dentists recommend that children from the age of seven should receive orthodontic screening. This age is a common age where many children begin to lose their child, or ‘baby’ teeth, and begin to receive their adult teeth. This transitional period between teeth is often the best time to discover whether there are likely to be dental anomalies in the development of teeth that might affect dental health.

Such anomalies can include crooked teeth, which in turn can affect the biting strength and bite pattern; in time, this can lead to tooth impaction and bruxism. Early intervention at this age can help to prevent these, and other major dental health problems from occurring.

A child’s jaw is still developing at this age, and so it is much easier for an orthodontist to correct, through such treatments as braces, which serve to straighten and realign teeth that are out-of-position. Because the child’s jaw and bones are still developing, they tend to be softer and more pliable, and so it becomes easier to correct issues of realignment.

Other issues can occur, and crowded teeth can create pockets which are notoriously difficult to clean effectively, and so can harbor harmful bacteria which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Speech impediments, such as a lisp, could also manifest as a result of incorrectly aligned teeth.

 And, as children grow older, they become more self-conscious about their appearance – and this includes their smile! Having a good-looking smile goes a long way towards building confidence, not only through the aesthetic aspects, but also in other areas, such as aiding in speech and eating. Orthodontic treatment can help to develop a child’s confidence in these areas.

It often pays to have a child receive an orthodontic screening early in life; by doing so, potential dental problems can be detected and corrected much easier. By giving a child the best smile possible in their earlier years, they can grow with the confidence that a beautiful smile can bring.

Dental Braces: How often should I brush my teeth?

The main purpose of brushing (and flossing!) is to remove plaque and food particles that could contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, stains and bad breath. And, although we tend to say “Brush your teeth”, the real goal is to clean the entire mouth. The tongue, gums, and the folds of the cheeks and lips can harbor the bacteria that are responsible for a long list of dental conditions. Brushing the teeth as well as any other surfaces within the mouth is an important way to protect your oral health.

When you have dental braces, the responsibility to control plaque bacteria becomes increasingly important. The appliances that are used to straighten your teeth also provide perfect hiding places for plaque and food. In a virtually endless cycle, plaque will continue to form on every surface in the mouth including orthodontic brackets, wires, elastics, and even retainers. As any patient with braces will tell you, these are also areas where breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will accumulate.

To prevent unwanted dental diseases, orthodontic patients should make time to brush and floss after each meal. Plaque control should also be performed after snacks and after any beverage other than water is consumed. Before bed, brushing and flossing should be performed yet again because undisturbed bacteria will continue to multiply, colonize, and create acidic byproducts as you sleep.

It’s important to remember that brushing alone may not be enough to maintain good dental health. In fact, it may be difficult to maneuver the toothbrush bristles around your braces. If necessary, choose power toothbrushes, floss threaders, interdental brushes, and mouthwashes that are designed to enhance your homecare efforts.

Braces certainly require a little extra patience and attention, but the reward is a beautiful and healthy smile that you can be proud of. During your periodic dental visits, ask about other tips and advice on caring for your braces.

To learn more about what to expect with braces, contact Newman Orthodontics at 516-626-2060 today.

Importance of Treating Malocclusions

Any physical abnormality that can affect your overall health should be treated … deficient eye sight calls for wearing glasses; a broken bone is set and placed in a cast; a hearing aid is used when hearing loss occurs … all of these things and more can impact quality of life if not addressed. The same thing applies to dental issues, and when treating a malocclusion, braces are usually at the top of the list to correct it.

A malocclusion occurs when the top teeth do not align correctly to the bottom teeth. There are multiple reasons this happens:

·         Lack of jaw space to accommodate all permanent teeth

·         Tooth loss that results in remaining teeth drifting toward open spaces

·         Genetic abnormalities

·         Injury

·         Extrinsic issues such as thumb sucking

Whatever the root cause, a malocclusion can result in a cross bite, over bite or under bite. Left untreated, the following can occur:

·         Dental decay – when teeth do not align properly, there are areas that may be difficult to reach with a tooth brush and dental floss. Bacteria and plaque build-up can lead to decay, gum disease and even tooth loss.

·         Grinding and clenching – the teeth naturally want to align properly, and when they don’t we can subconsciously (usually during sleep) grind the teeth and clench the jaw trying to find a way for the teeth to meet. Premature enamel erosion, uneven teeth, broken teeth, TMJ, and discomfort in neck, head and jaw are all potential side effects of grinding and clenching.

·         Lack of self-esteem – Uneven or crooked teeth discourage eating, speaking and smiling in public.

A consultation with an orthodontist can explain what is needed to correct your dental malocclusion. If overcrowding is an issue, the extraction of one or more teeth may be recommended before embarking on corrective action.  A healing period is generally needed before starting the straightening process.

Treatment usually involves the placement of braces that will steadily shift teeth to their correct position. Braces are adjusted every few weeks to keep teeth moving. Once the bite has been remedied, a retainer will be worn to help the teeth develop a memory of where they rightly belong.

Caring for your new, straight teeth, including daily hygiene and dental check-ups, will allow for excellent dental health and years of eating and smiling enjoyment.

Contact our team at Newman Orthodontics today to learn more about your treatment options. Call 516-626-2060 to schedule your professional consultation today.