Conventional Orthodontics

Reasons Children Need Orthodontics?

There are many reasons children need orthodontic care. When children lose their baby teeth, their permanent teeth don't always come in straight. Reasons may include:

• Genetics: For lots of folks, crooked teeth run in the family. Teeth may come in twisted, rotated, gapped or overlapping.
• A small mouth: If a child's mouth is too small, the larger adult teeth may crowd each other out, making them crooked.
• Misaligned teeth (malocclusion): Permanent teeth don't always line up when they come in. Malocclusions are normal and some may not require treatment at all.
• Misaligned jaw: Sometimes, a child's upper jaw and lower jaw are different sizes. A small lower jaw can cause an over bite, while a small upper jaw may result in an under bite.
• Prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking or tongue-thrusting: Bad habits can cause bite problems such as upper teeth that stick out in front of the lower ones.
• Accidents: If a growing child's teeth are broken or knocked out, permanent teeth may fuse to the surrounding bone. This often results in an irregular bite.
• Early loss of baby teeth: If your child loses a primary tooth prematurely, his adult tooth won't have a guide when it comes in. This can lead a tooth to "drift," causing it to tilt, crowd other teeth or only come in partially.

How is Conventional Orthodontics diagnosed?

To devise a treatment plan, the orthodontist may use X-rays, photographs and an impression (made from a soft substance that hardens) to make a model of your child's teeth.

How is Conventional Orthodontics treated?

Braces are the most common treatment option for kids. They are "permanent" in that your child will usually need to wear them for 6 months to between 2 and 3 years. Braces work by exerting steady pressure to change the position of your child's teeth. They will need periodic adjustments by an orthodontist using wires, springs or rubber bands and timing. We offer lightweight metal braces that either go around each tooth or are adhered to the front of the teeth.

Why Children's Health?

• Early intervention is provided in a variety of cases.
• The orthodontic program has been a part of the craniofacial team since 1990.
• The orthodontic clinic is a full-time facility.
• The orthodontists have been trained in craniofacial anomalies and cleft lip and palate defects.
• The Children's orthodontic clinic leads the nation in the number of presurgical orthopedics.