Why the Summer is a Great Time for Braces

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Kristine

Can you believe it’s already May? Children in school are counting down the days until that final bell rings signaling the end of school and the beginning of summer. I have no doubt in my mind that their imaginations are running wild with all of the activities that summer holds. The summer is not only a much-needed break from school, but it is also a great time to consider braces for your children.

“Summer is supposed to be fun! Why braces now?”

Great question. Receiving orthodontic treatment in the summer has many pros to it. At a young age, braces for children can take some getting used to. The first couple of weeks can be somewhat uncomfortable as teeth begin to shift into the correct position. This can make it difficult for children to focus in class and may also require a change from their normal lunchtime meal. With all of the new adjustments, it may be difficult for children with braces to do their very best during school months.

On the other end of that, if your child receives orthodontic treatment during the summer they will be able to get used to their new braces in a comfortable environment: their home. Meals will be easier to prepare and parents or guardians will be able to help their child cope with adjustments during the first couple of weeks. Children will become comfortable with the physical appearance and less self-conscious. They will also have the knowledge and skills to clean their braces properly as the summer months allow them the time to learn.

Braces for children are a wonderful and often necessary thing. Having them applied at a young age will make your children very grateful when they are older. Call Lansdowne Orthodontics today to talk about braces for your children and other orthodontic treatments!

Braces for Children

Adult and Children’s Orthodontic Services

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Kristine

It is the work of our hearts to improve our friends’ lives by transforming their smiles. When training, technology and teamwork combine with passion and commitment, the results are phenomenal.

At Lansdowne Orthodontics, we have a variety of services for adults and children.

Malocclusion Correction

A person with a malocclusion is one that has a “bad bite.” They either have an overbite or underbite, and their teeth may be crooked. As technology increases, our orthodontic services allow us to help correct these common problems with less noticeable material and less discomfort for patients than ever before. Metal braces, plastic braces, retainers and invisalign are just a few of the solutions we offer. We work closely with the child or adult to make the process as comfortable and effective as possible. As your orthodontist, we want to give you a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

Childrens Orthodontic Services

The best way to avoid more serious oral complications in the future is for a child to come in for an early orthodontic evaluation. By doing so, we will be able to evaluate the growth of your child’s teeth and determine whether or not they will need further orthodontic services. This can help correct a child’s orthodontic problems and limit the amount of time they may need to wear braces or corrective appliances.

Adult and children’s orthodontic services will vary with each patient, but Lansdowne Orthodontics is ready and willing to work with each individual to find the fastest and most permanent solution to your orthodontic needs. By offering orthodontic services for patients throughout Lansdowne, Leesburg, Ashburn and the surrounding Northern Virginia area, we have been helping people be proud of their smiles for years.

Stop by Lansdowne Orthodontics today and start smiling again!

When is the right time to ask about orthodontics?

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Kristine

There is a general recommendation by the Association of Orthodontists to have your child seen by an Orthodontist by age seven. While the majority of children at this age do not need any Orthodontic treatment, there is a significant percentage that do need early interceptive orthodontic treatment.

The key word here is “interceptive,” meaning that orthodontic treatment at this early age is intercepting a problem that left untreated would require more extensive treatment later or not be able to be treated with orthodontics alone.

Here are some of the problems that would be best corrected early (before all the adult teeth are in place.)

Severe crowding of the teeth. Your child has lost some baby teeth and the adult teeth that are coming in are sideways, up to high, behind other teeth or maybe not coming in at all. Instead of removing baby and adult teeth, your child can have early treatment that will make room for all the adult teeth and therefore save them from any extractions of baby and adult teeth.
A crossbite. This is when the lower jaw shifts to one side. You may notice that your child chews funny or that when they are biting down their face appears slightly off center. A crossbite is usually a problem with the growth of the upper jaw and is best corrected before age 10.
An underbite. The lower jaw bites in front of the upper jaw. This type of bite problem is caused by a growth problem in the upper jaw and is best corrected during a child’s active growth phase. This type of problem in particular, if not treated early will often result in jaw surgery as a young adult.
A thumb or finger sucking habit, severe tongue thrust or other oral habits. Most children, who suck their thumbs and/or fingers for a prolonged period of time, will cause some deformation of the shape of the upper jaw. This alteration in the shape of the upper jaw can cause crowding problems, airway problems and bite problems. A simple, fixed appliance is generally used to correct this persistent habit.
Severe mouth breathing, grinding of the teeth, or airway issues. All these are related to your child’s jaw growth and development. Again a growth problem that is best corrected early while your child is still growing.
Severe overbites. Depending on the severity of your child’s overbite, this can be corrected early with the use of removable retainers. With excellent cooperation, these removable retainers will often eliminate the need for more extensive orthodontic work later.

If your child has any of the above problems, you do not need a referral from your family dentist. You can call an Orthodontist directly and make an appointment for a consultation. Even if you are not sure, a free consultation with Dr. Hukmani will give you an overview of your child’s current growth and development and give you valuable insight into any future orthodontic needs that your child may have.

What is Malocclusion?

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Kristine

Malocclusion refers to teeth that are crooked, crowded, spaced, or protruding. It is a term used to describe teeth that do not fit together properly. Malocclusion is often genetic. It includes crowding, excess space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, and cleft palate. Malocclusions that are not genetic, but acquired can be caused by thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusts, dental disease, and premature loss of primary or permanent teeth.

If malocclusion is left untreated then it may worsen over time. Crooked or crowded teeth are more difficult to clean and maintain. This could lead to cavities, gum disease, and potential tooth loss.

There are three classes of malocclusion:

Class 1 is the most common. The bite may seem normal, but the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.
Class 2 is an overbite. This happens when the upper jaw and teeth severely overlap the bottom jaw and teeth.
Class 3 is an under bite. An under bite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes forward and causes the lower jaw and teeth to overlap the upper jaw and teeth.

Malocclusion is the most common reason to visit an orthodontist. The objective is to fix the positioning of the teeth. To do this your orthodontist will use braces or other appliances.

Orthodontic treatment can give you the smile of your dreams! At Lansdowne Orthodontics we create beautiful faces one smile at a time. Contact us today for your complimentary orthodontic screening!

Great Resources for Orthodontic Treatment

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Kristine

If you want to know more about braces and how they can improve your smile, here are some great articles about what to expect while you have braces, what sort of appliances are used, and how to take excellent care of your teeth.

Here is a visual guide to an array of orthodontic appliances, not all of which are used in the conjunction with braces.
At this link, learn the basics of braces and the appliances that are used to straighten teeth and align incorrect bites.
This website has a great set of links to direct you to information about braces, the appliances, and how to take care of your teeth when using orthodontics.
Learn about how braces work and what to expect.
This online guide, decide what you want your braces to do for you tells you about what happens before you get braces, during their use, and after completion of your orthodontic treatment.