Orthopedic Early Treatment

 

Malocclusion is the dental term for teeth that don’t fit together properly.  Literally, malocclusion means “bad bite”.

Some children are lucky and naturally have straight teeth.  Others aren’t so lucky.  The size of a child’s teeth and how they fit into the jaw are inherited traits, and malocclusion can often affect several generations.  Besides genetics, a bad bite can also be caused by:

Accidents or disease.
A missing tooth, allowing the teeth around the open space to shift.  This is especially likely in children when some of their adult teeth come in late.
Habits, such as thumb sucking, which can put pressure on teeth.
Nasal problems, such as allergies.

Orthodontic treatment is best when the mouth is still developing and teeth are more easily straightened.  Early treatment can prevent more extensive and costly treatment later, when your child matures.

Different orthodontic appliances work in different ways to benefit your child's dental health. Some are fixed; others are removable.   Dr. McGue will explain which appliance is best for your child, what the treatment can do, and how long it will take.

Some of the most direct results of early interceptive treatment are:

Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Preserving space for unerupted teeth
Reducing the need for tooth removal
Reducing treatment time with braces

If you are concerned about your child’s dental health, call McGue Dental Care today and make an appointment for a free consultation!