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

Braces and Weddings

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Kristine

One of my best friends is getting married in one week and I honored to be in the wedding party. I have almost no responsibilities, but all of the privileges that come with being in a wedding. I do have to go about buying the outfit and look presentable when the big day finally arrives, but other than that, I am on my own. I do want the photos to look great and I have found myself prepping for them by taking care of my teeth. Does that seem a little strange?

When you think about being in front of hundreds of people and being immortalized in photos of one of the most important days of someone’s life, you want to look good. Having received orthodontic care as a teen, I am happy with the results, and happy that I went through with it so many years ago. Others might not have had the opportunity as a child, but adult braces are back and are more subtle and unnoticeable than ever before.

Adult braces, especially traditional metal bands, are highly effective and work much faster than invisalign. New metal braces are almost invisible as technology continues to advance allowing adults to continue their normal work and personal lives without interruption.
Whether you’re in college, an adult, or have children, receiving orthodontic care and having braces put on as early as possible will give you the photos you can be proud of on your big day. Receiving adult braces or other orthodontic care early on will give you a smile full of confidence that you will carry with you throughout all of life’s biggest moments.

Call Lansdowne Ortho today to schedule an appointment!

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.

A Dental Intervention

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Kristine

There are several dental problems that can are not only common, but can be fixed with orthodontic treatment. These problems include:

Crossbite – This is when one or more of the upper teeth bite inside of the lower teeth. Treatment can ward off other consequences of crossbite such as gum disease including bone loss, asymmetrical development of the jaws, or even a need for surgical intervention at a later age.
Crowding – There is a lack of space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws. The teeth may appear twisted. If crowding is left untreated it may cause dental decay or an increased chance of developing gum disease due to difficulty with brushing.
Spacing – This is the opposite of crowding. Spacing is the excess of available space, happening when the teeth are smaller than the available space. Spacing can be caused by protrusive teeth, missing or impacted teeth, or abnormal gum tissue attachments. If spacing is left uncorrected then it may cause gum problems or improper functioning of the teeth.

Learn more about how early orthodontic intervention can benefit your dental health and give you the smile of your dreams! At Lansdowne Orthodontics we create beautiful faces one smile at a time. Contact us today!

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!