Children's Orthodontics

Dr. Davis is specially trained to detect, diagnose and treat problems with jaw growth and tooth development.  Along with the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Davis recommends an orthodontic check-up for all children by age 7.  At seven years old, children should have enough permanent teeth along with most of their baby teeth to make it possible to diagnose any possible concerns.

Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later stage shorter and less complicated.  In some cases, Dr. Davis will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing. 

 

Problems to watch for in growing children

  • Crossbite of front teeth (Underbite)
  • Crossbite of back teeth
  • Crowded or bunched up teeth
  • Openbite –front teeth not touching when biting on back teeth
  • Protrusion of front teeth – upper front teeth rest on the lower lip
  • Deep overbite – lower front teeth hit the roof of the mouth
  • Oral habits – finger or thumb sucking
  • Large teeth and small jaws
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Chewing or biting problems
  • Mouth breathing
  • Jaws that pop, click or shift
  • Speech difficulties
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth

 

Benefits of early treatment:

  • Eliminate and correct harmful habits
  • Guide jaw growth
  • Lower the risks of trauma to protruded front teeth
  • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
  • Improve appearance
  • Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face.

If you wonder and worry about your child’s teeth then let Dr. Davis take your worries away. Dr. Davis will give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.  Schedule your check-up exam by clicking the link or calling the office.

 

This check-up appointment will result with one of the following possibilities for your child:

  • No problems with growth and development– no treatment just monitoring until baby teeth are gone.
  • Identify a developing problem - monitor and advise on when recommended treatment should begin to give the jaws and teeth the best chance of developing normally.
  • Identify a problem that should be corrected immediately – early treatment recommended.

 

Early treatment consists of one or more of the following depending on your child’s needs:

  • Braces
  • Expander
  • Habit Appliance
  • Space Maintainer
  • Bite Plates
  • Orthopedic Devices

 

Early treatment is focused on correcting the specific problems of growth and development.  Treatment at this will not correct all permanent tooth position as these teeth aren’t in the mouth and are still in the jaw bones developing.  Early treatment is usually followed by full orthodontic treatment when all the permanent teeth are full developed.  The time between the end of early treatment and full treatment Dr. Davis will monitor your teeth at scheduled intervals (usually 6-12 months) to ensure proper growth and development.