Timber Kids Dentistry

How To Tell If Your Child Needs Orthodontics

Early, late, or irregular baby tooth loss

This is often one of the first warning signs that your child has oral development issues. The first baby teeth fall out around the age of 6, and they should continue to fall out and be replaced with adult teeth until the age of 12-13. If your dentist has noticed irregularities in your child’s baby tooth loss, they may need orthodontic treatment.

Problems chewing or biting

If your child seems to have a lot of trouble chewing, biting, and swallowing properly, this could indicate oral development problems and bite issues. Pain and discomfort when chewing and biting are also causes for concern.

Misaligned, crooked, crowded teeth

If you can see that your child has cramped, crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, or crooked teeth, they will likely need orthodontic treatment to improve their smile and ensure their bite is healthy.

Traditional Braces

Metal braces are the most versatile and effective way to treat most children and teens, and are particularly well-suited to complex cases that may require the use of other treatments like palate expanders

Usually, braces are recommended for kids between the ages of 12-14. Around this time, all of their baby teeth should have been replaced with adult teeth, but their jaws and their mouth are still growing. This means it’s much easier to use braces to align the teeth and jaws properly.

Braces are usually worn for between 18-24 months, but this depends on your child’s unique orthodontic needs. Some kids and teens may need to wear braces for up to 3 years.

 Next: Fluoride Treatments

Invisalign

Invisalign is an alternative to braces for teenagers and young adults. Instead of using brackets, wires, and elastics to move the teeth, Invisalign uses clear plastic “aligners,” that look similar to a night guard or a retainer.

By switching through a series of Invisalign aligners, your child’s teeth can be moved into the proper position, just like braces. And, unlike braces, Invisalign is invisible when worn. It also is removable, so your teen can eat their normal diet and remove their aligners to brush and floss.

However, Invisalign may not be right for all patients. To find out if Invisalign is a good option for your teen, contact Timber Kids Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kelley at our Bend office.

 Next: Silver Diamine Fluoride

Understanding The Benefits Of Straight Teeth

A healthy bite and straight teeth don’t just look great and improve your child’s self-esteem and confidence. They also help protect your child’s oral health. When there are even, consistent gaps between the teeth, it’s easier to brush and floss them and keep them healthy.

Orthodontics can also help prevent future oral health issues like premature tooth wear, teeth grinding and TMJ/TMD. For all of these reasons, orthodontic treatment in Bend from Timber Kid Dentistry may be a good investment for your child or teen.

 Next: Nutritional Consultations

Orthodontics

Straighten Your Child’s Teeth

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