Straight teeth are not only more attractive teeth, but they decrease your chances of other, more serious problems. If you are seeing any of these warning signs in your child, it may be time to schedule a consultation:
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that do not meet or
that meet in an irregular way
- Crowding or misplaced teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Difficulties with speech
Space maintainers are used for children to keep a space open in the mouth after a tooth has been lost. Often necessary when a child loses a primary tooth too early—usually due to trauma or decay—space maintainers can save the opening for the permanent tooth that will eventually erupt into that space. Otherwise, existing teeth may shift into the space or the permanent tooth may move or turn so that it does not erupt correctly. Space maintainers can be used on the upper or lower arch and may be removable or fixed into position with cement to securely remain in place until the adult tooth is ready to erupt.
Interceptive orthodontics is a preventive form of treatment for a child who still has a combination of baby and permanent teeth. Interceptive orthodontics allows the jaw’s growth to be monitored, establishes more room within the mouth if necessary and maintains space for permanent teeth. It often reduces the length of time in braces when the child gets older.
Mouth guards are a customized device worn over the teeth to protect them from injury or to treat conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding), snoring or sleep apnea. They protect the teeth from chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage, lip injuries and tooth loss caused by these conditions. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, durable, easy-to-clean and allow patients to breathe and speak normally. Depending on each patient’s individual needs, mouth guards may be worn only when sleeping, while playing sports or at all times.