We’ll Help Straighten Your Kids Out!
Marshfield News Herald
Healthy Lifestyle Page – Article
Dental Clinic of Marshfield, S.C. — July 2011
At the Dental Clinic of Marshfield, our orthodontics team is devoted to building beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment. We know that straight teeth function better, are easier to clean, and are more likely to last a lifetime.
Orthodontic care involves the use of appliances, of which there are two main types: braces that are attached to the teeth—and removable appliances that are put in and taken out by the patient. These devices can be used to straighten teeth, correct an irregular bite, close unsightly gaps, and bring teeth and lips into proper alignment. In young children, orthodontic treatment also may guide proper jaw growth and permanent tooth eruption.
I concur with the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) and recommend that all children receive an orthodontic screening by age 7. Permanent teeth generally begin to come in at age 6 or 7. Typically, it’s at this point that orthodontic problems become apparent. Because bones are still growing, it's an ideal time to evaluate a child. We can determine what orthodontic treatment, if any, may be needed either immediately or in the future.
Starting orthodontic treatment early in life has many advantages. For example, while children are still growing, expansion devices can be used to widen the palate to help teeth come in straighter by providing more space and may also help to correct the way the top and bottom teeth come together. Such treatment, if done at an early age, produces the very best results. Many people undergo orthodontic treatment during preteen and teenage years when most of the permanent teeth have come in.
At the Dental Clinic of Marshfield, we see an increasing number of adults who now have orthodontic treatment as well. Adult treatment, however, can be more complicated and may require more than one dental professional to correct the tooth alignment problem. For example, adult patients may be more susceptible to gum problems and these problems must be addressed before any orthodontic treatment can begin. Significant jaw alignment problems may require corrective surgery. The biggest limitation in adult treatment is that adults are no longer growing making it more advantageous to address orthodontic needs while patients are younger.
With straight teeth, you can bite, chew and speak more effectively. Properly aligned teeth and jaws not only contribute to healthier teeth and gums, they may even alleviate or prevent physical health problems. And let’s face it; teeth that work better tend to look better. An attractive smile is a wonderful asset to display. It contributes to your self-confidence and your self-image, which are important qualities at any age.
Let our team of orthodontic professionals make you smile.
Dr. Donald Routier is an Orthodontist with the Dental Clinic of Marshfield. For more information about orthodontics, or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Dental Clinic of Marshfield.
