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!

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!

Signs It’s Time to See an Orthodontist

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Kristine

Though it is recommended that children receive their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7 (permanent teeth and jaw fusion begins around age 8), there are some problems that can be identified at earlier ages. Read through the following if you are concerned about your child’s teeth. With early detection, you may be able to prevent serious problems from cropping up in your son or daughter’s adolescence and/or adult life.

Tell-Tale Signs of a Problem

If you recognize any of the following in your child, then consider consulting an orthodontist:

Difficulty chewing/biting.
Crowding, displaced, or abnormally spaced teeth.
Clicking jaw.
Mouth breathing.
Early or late loss of baby teeth.
Persistent bad habits (aka thumb sucking or tongue thrusting).

At-Home Tests

Fortunately, there are at-home strategies parents can use to detect orthodontic problems in their children. Try the following if you think your child may be in need of orthodontic treatment:

Examine your child’s teeth and identify potential overlaps or gaps—these should be corrected early on by an orthodontist to prevent prolonged treatments and surgeries in the future.
Have your child bite down, keeping their lips parted. If the front teeth significantly overlap the bottom, then your child has an overbite. If you perform the same test and the bottom teeth are overlapping the top, causing the jaw to jut outward, then your child has an underbite. In both situations an orthodontist should be consulted.
Check your child’s jaw alignment, and determine if his or her jaw shifts to the side when biting. This may be a sign of a skeletal or muscle problem and should be examined by an orthodontist.

If you recognize any of the above signs in your child and you live in the Leesburg or Ashburn area, give us a call at Lansdowne Orthodontics. Our experts can provide your child with the care he or she needs and can also give you helpful advice on how to prevent future problems.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical or dental advice. You should contact your dentist to obtain advice with respect to any particular dental issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a dentist-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the dental office or any individual dentist or medical professional.