The value and power of early orthodontic intervention for children
At Modern Smile Dental, we appreciate that there are many misconceptions associated with orthodontics. Notably, our neighbors in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and beyond may view this treatment as a way to correct the cosmetic effects of crowded or crooked teeth. However, Dr. Michelle Janbakhsh and our team account for the many health issues that can be resolved with orthodontics. In fact, we view treatment through the lens of orthopedic/functional orthodontics. We know that the structure of the jaw and the muscles that hold the jaw to the cranium and its malfunction is responsible for everything from how our face and jaws feel to how we breathe during sleep. With our approach, children can have the best possible start in life, as many complications of narrow jaw, muscle dysfunction and bite imbalances, and misaligned teeth are avoided with our interventions.
When should my child visit your office?
When it comes to orthodontic evaluations, it’s generally recommended that pediatric patients undergo this assessment as soon as age 4-5 years. This allows us to intervene with potential problems while your children have mixed dentition (a mix of primary and secondary teeth) and while their jaws and oral structures are still developing. We may even be able to help your child avoid the need for braces and other orthodontic treatments later in life if we intercept any developmental issues and malfunction early on. Last but certainly not least, we may avoid the need for extractions or teeth removal by making more room in the jaw for your children’s teeth to erupt properly.
What issues do you correct?
Orthodontic treatment is not just about crowded teeth. That is but one issue that we correct. There may be excess spaces between the teeth, issues with how the jaw is growing, protruding or rotated teeth, and bite imbalances, a reference to how the upper and lower teeth come together when your child bites down. Also most importantly, muscle dysfunction that has contributed to the underdeveloped jaw in the first place, will be evaluated and corrected. We also want to modify behaviors that could contribute to developmental challenges, such as mouth breathing, incorrect tongue posture, persistent or extreme thumb-sucking, and pacifier use.
What are some of the other complications of misaligned teeth and bites?
Congenital or acquired anomalies can result in an imbalanced profile, such as a weak or recessed chin, as well as pain that may manifest as headaches, earaches, and neck, back, and shoulder aches. Any time undue or excessive force is placed on one part of this “system” of teeth, gums, mouth, and facial muscles and tissues, it can “stress” the whole. This is where occlusal or alignment issues can contribute to TMD symptoms. Additionally, these irregularities can give rise to dangerous or unhealthy breathing patterns. So, our approach to orthodontic care also supports airway health.
How does functional or early orthodontics work?
Since we address imbalances while children are still developing, functional techniques and oral appliances alter or reposition the jaws and other structures. Likewise, traditional concepts like braces focus on adjusting or repositioning the teeth. Functional approaches transcend treating the symptoms and complications of developmental problems; they pinpoint and resolve the source of the problem. So, instead of removing teeth to open up room in the jaw, the jaw itself is expanded with specialized dental appliances. Orofacial muscle exercises or dental orthopedics can be recommended to correct environmental/lifestyle factors, such as the childhood habits noted above.
We look forward to filling in any gaps in your child’s smile and in your knowledge about early treatment options. Call Modern Smile Dental in Gaithersburg, MD, today at (301) 850-0376.
