Dana Point Pediatric Orthodontist

Pediatric Orthodontist Dana Point, CA

Why Get Early Orthodontic Treatment?

There isn’t an exact age for how soon a child should see a pediatric orthodontist Dana Point, CA families trust. But in general, the sooner the treatment the better so further complications can be prevented down the road. Most children who have dental issues see an orthodontist for the first time around the age of 6-10 or teenage years. It is within these years that issues can become the most apparent.

Some problems can be treated much more easily and efficiently at a younger age. When the jaw bone is still growing and somewhat malleable, it can be less challenging to guide it into a different configuration. As your child ages, his or her jaw bone will stop growing and harden. When the jaw bone is hardened, it can be much more challenging to reconfigure.

If treatment begins at a young age, a Dana Point, CA kids orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw bone and can readily alter its position and width. Unfortunately, this isn’t possible for adults, and they may need alternative solutions that can involve surgery or the removal of teeth.

If treatment is carried out while the permanent teeth are coming in, we can use orthodontic therapies and techniques to ensure there is enough space for them and that they come through in the correct position.

How Will I Know if My Child is Developing Problems?

Some things that may indicate the need to consult with a Dana Point, CA kids orthodontist include:

• Thumb sucking, especially if the habit is excessive or continues after the age of four
• Finger sucking and tongue thrusting
• Baby teeth which are lost too late or too early; most baby teeth fall out between the ages of five and 14.
• Teeth that don’t fit together correctly or stick out
• Speech problems such as lisping, slurring, or mispronunciation
• Crowded permanent front teeth

Early orthodontic treatment may involve wearing fixed and/or removable braces, although a removable appliance is used more often. Protruding, or “buck” teeth, may be helped by a removable brace that repositions the jaws so that the teeth can settle into the correct position.

Sometimes a removable brace is followed by a fixed brace for the better outcomes.

Key Points Regarding Malocclusion in Children

• Malocclusion occurs when a child’s teeth are crooked or crowded; the child’s bite may also be misaligned
• Many things can contribute to malocclusion, including genetics
• Malocclusion can cause trouble with eating and speaking
• Some children can also have gum disease and jaw joint problems
• X-rays and impressions of the teeth are helpful diagnostic tools
• Treatments can include tooth removal and a mouth appliance

Call John Redmond Orthodontics to schedule an orthodontic exam for your child. Remember, some problems can be avoided or can be more easily corrected with early treatment. Call a Dana Point, CA kids orthodontist today so we can get you or your youngster on the way to a healthy and attractive smile.

How to Prepare Your Child for an Orthodontic Visit

If your child has to see a kids orthodontist Dana Point, CA residents trust, he or she may feel nervous and scared. That’s perfectly normal. Your child doesn’t know what to expect and feel anxious because of it. As a parent, you can do several things to prepare your child for this visit and ease his or her anxiety.

• Explain the Need for the Appointment: Your child is likely wondering why he or she needs to go to the orthodontist in the first place. Taking the time to explain the need for the visit can ease your child’s nerves. For example, if your child has misaligned teeth, let your child know that he or she may need to get braces. Explain that braces are designed to straighten teeth, resulting in a more attractive and healthy smile.
• Be Honest: When speaking to your child about visiting the orthodontist, it is important to be truthful. For instance, if your child asks if getting braces will hurt, explain that he or she may experience some discomfort for the first week and whenever the braces have to be tightened. However, let your child know that the discomfort doesn’t last long and over-the-counter pain medications help. This way, you’re being honest with your child without scaring him or her.
• Assure Your Child That He or She Isn’t Alone: When your child first finds out that he or she needs to see a kids orthodontist in Dana Point, CA, he or she may think something is wrong with him or her. That is why it is important to encourage your child that many kids go to see the orthodontist for one reason or another. Once your child realizes that he or she isn’t alone, he or she may feel better about going to the orthodontist.
• Share What to Expect During the First Appointment: One of the main reasons your child feels nervous is because he or she doesn’t know what to expect during the initial appointment with the orthodontist. Explain to your child that the initial appointment will include an examination, x-rays and discussion of treatment options. Reassure your child that the orthodontist will be gentle and do everything possible to ensure comfort.

What to Expect During an Appointment

Your pediatric orthodontist in Dana Point, CA can look over the dentist notes, take a look at the teeth and jaw, and then decide if your child can benefit from braces and which device would be most beneficial. An orthodontist is likely to ask the child to bite down gently to assess alignment, and ask questions about whether there are issues with swallowing, chewing, and if sounds have ever been heard during talking or eating.

X-rays may be taken of the mouth so the Dana Point, California pediatric orthodontist can get a really good idea of where teeth are positioned and if permanent teeth still need to grow in. A mold of the teeth may be made as well, which is created through pressing a goo-like substance onto the top and bottom teeth. The mold is then removed and hardened, providing a replica of the child’s teeth.

Provide Your Child With Encouragement

Even after you have prepared your child for a visit to the kids orthodontist in Dana Point, CA, he or she may still feel nervous the day of the appointment. It’s important to reassure your child that everything will be fine and he or she is brave enough to go to the appointment. With positive encouragement, your child may start to believe that he or she has nothing to worry about.

We understand that seeing an orthodontist for the first time may come as a sigh of relief for parents, or apprehension as to what the outcome will be. We are happy to schedule a consultation to find out more and have your questions answered. Please contact us to book your appointment with a pediatric orthodontist in Dana Point, CA, such as one from John Redmond Orthodontics today!