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Maloclussions
and Orthodontics
It's never
too early to keep an eye on your child's oral development. Your pediatric
dentist can identify malocclusion -- crowded or crooked teeth or bite
problems -- and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they emerge in
the mouth. Orthodontic treatment early can prevent more extensive treatment
later.
Q: What
causes crowded teeth and other orthodontic problems?
A: Malocclusion is often inherited. Orthodontic problems also are caused
by dental injuries, the early loss of primary teeth or such habits a thumb
sucking, fingernail biting, or lip biting. Your pediatric dentist can
help your child avoid oral habits that may create orthodontic problems.
Q: Why
is early orthodontic care important?
A: Early orthodontics can enhance your child's smile, but the benefits
far surpass appearance. Pediatric orthodontics can straighten crooked
teeth, guide erupting teeth into position, correct bite problems, even
prevent the need for tooth extractions. Straight teeth are easier to keep
clean and less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
Q: What
is early orthodontic treatment like?
A: Different orthodontic appliances work in different ways to benefit
your child's dental health. Some are fixed; others are removable. Your
pediatric dentist will explain which appliance is best for your child,
what the treatment can do, and how long it will take.
Q: What
care is recommended during orthodontic treatment?
A: As with any dental treatment, the more a child cooperates, the better
the results. First, careful brushing and flossing keep the appliance and
your child's health in top shape. (Removable appliances should be brushed
each time the teeth are brushed.) Second, regular dental check-ups --
besides orthodontic appointments -- protect your child from tooth decay
and gum disease. Third, prompt contact with your pediatric dentist when
an appliance breaks will keep orthodontic treatment on-time and on-track.
Q: Can
my child speak, eat, and play normally?
A: Your child can eat a normal diet except sticky foods (gum, caramels)
and large, hard foods (peanuts, ice chips, popcorn). Some appliances alter
speech, but most children adapt quickly and speak clearly within a day
or two. Generally, children can safely run, jump, swim, and play with
an orthodontic appliance. Check with your pediatric dentist for specific
advise on your child's activities.
Q: What
is malocclusion?
Malocclusion is the improper positioning of the teeth and jaws. It is
a variation of normal growth and development which can affect the bite,
the ability to clean teeth properly, gum tissue health, jaw growth, speech
development and appearance.
Q: What
causes malocclusion?
A: Both heredity and environmental factors can play a role in developing
malocclusions. The shape and size of the face, jaws and teeth are determined
mostly by inheritance. Environmental factors can also have a large impact
and these are the types of problems which the pediatric dentist is well
trained to manage.
Q: How
long does it take to treat a malocclusion?
A: Every child is unique and must be treated individually. The pediatric
dentist will provide an estimate of the length of time required prior
to initiating treatment. In complex malocclusions the treatment may be
divided into several phases which are scheduled to coincide with the child's
particular pattern of growth and development.
Q: Is
it necessary to remove healthy teeth to correct a malocclusion?
A: Carefully controlled removal of selected primary teeth may be necessary
to guide the permanent teeth into proper position. This procedure requires
frequent monitoring over a period of time and usually in combination with
the use of some type of appliance. The removal of permanent teeth depends
specifically upon the circumstances for that particular child. There are
some malocclusions which cannot be treated successfully without removing
permanent teeth and there are other situations where permanent teeth should
definitely not be removed. This is a decision which must be made very
carefully after thoroughly evaluating all of the diagnostic materials
available for that patient.
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