A pediatric orthodontist works on children’s teeth and helps make sure that they work properly. He or she will use several different appliances in their orthodontic treatment plan to help correct bite issues and misaligned teeth. Some, like braces, apply pressure to the teeth to move them, while others work on the size of the palate. A pediatric dentist can do some pediatric orthodontics also.
Why you need a Pediatric Orthodontist
You might think that getting a pediatric orthodontist for a child is not necessary. But, this is the perfect time to correct teeth and jaw issues because the bones in your child’s head and lower jaw are not quite finished growing and it is very easy to make Corrections.
What kinds of issues can your orthodontist correct?
If your child has any of the following:
- An overbite
- A cross-bite
- An underbite
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
These can all be corrected with orthodontic treatment by a great pediatric orthodontist in Miami Shores FL 33138.
What other things can Orthodontic Appliances Correct?
If you notice that your child has a lisp, aligning the teeth into their correct positions means that the tongue will meet the teeth properly and his or her speech will improve. It might take some time to get used to the new positions, but in time it will change.
If your child has a small jaw, there are palate expanders that can be used to widen the palate. This helps give more room for permanent teeth to grow in and possibly eliminate the need for any further treatment. During your child’s peak jaw growth time, a lot of changes can be made.
Plus, straight teeth meet correctly in the mouth and chew food properly, so your child’s nutrition is improved thanks to better digestion. Correctly chewed food gives your child’s lower digestive system the ability to extract the nutrients he or she needs for a growing body.
Most kids, will not actually get braces at this initial appointment at age seven. What this does allow for is an orthodontist to assess your child’s teeth and jaws, their baby teeth placement, and the position of their permanent teeth. This helps him or she learn whether your child will have any orthodontic problems and they can develop a treatment plan accordingly.
So why age seven? This is when your child’s first molars tend to come in. At this time your pediatric dentist will be able to get a better idea of how your child’s bite will develop based on the placement of all of the milk teeth.
Why is a Pediatric dentist different?
A pediatric dentist went to dental school along with general dentists, but then spent an additional 2 years learning about the particular needs of children. This is more than just how their teeth are aligned, it’s also about how to make kids feel comfortable about the whole process.
A pediatric dental office like Ivanov Orthodontic Experts is often set up differently than an adult’s clinic would be. They think of ways of setting up the waiting area to help kids keep their minds off of any anxieties they might feel about treatment and the staff is trained to think about orthodontic care and pediatric dental care in such a way that it makes sense to the kids.
All of those big chairs and bright lights can be intimidating to a child. But when they have a friend who can help them learn about the processes and what will happen that day, being at the dentist or orthodontist doesn’t seem so scary anymore.
What if my child needs braces?
It may turn out that your child will need to wear braces. So what is entailed in this process?
There are several types of braces available. These include:
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Invisalign (this is best for teenagers)
If your child does need braces, your Miami Shores FL 33138 orthodontist will spend the first main appointment after your consultation gluing small brackets onto their teeth, and connecting them with an archwire. The brackets are then wrapped with rubber bands that help hold the archwire in place. Over time, the braces will move the teeth by applying gentle pressure on the teeth.
Is your child a colorful person? When they wear braces, this is their chance to express their personality. They can choose rubber bands and a wide variety of bright and happy colors, and even change them out to different colors each visit.
How to Care for your child’s teeth
The American Dental Association recommends that your child first visit a dentist by age one. This may seem very young, but as the baby’s teeth start to grow, this is a great time to get them looked at and begin healthy habits for life. Your pediatric dentist will go over a dental care routine that includes a good diet as well as brushing and flossing your teeth.
A pediatric dentist in Miami Shores FL 33138 will check over the condition of your child’s teeth and look for any tooth decay. If they see any, they are able to address any decay early before it becomes a problem and possibly damages the permanent teeth. Attending regular dental exams will also make sure that your child’s permanent teeth are growing correctly and that there are no abscesses in the jaw.
There are special toothbrushes and toothpaste available for children that feature smaller brush heads that make it easy to reach their small teeth. Ask your pediatric dentist near me or a pediatric orthodontist like Ivanov Orthodontic Experts to recommend a toothbrush for you.
A good diet means healthy foods that are appealing to kids but are not filled with refined sugars. Those sugars are the favorite foods of the bacteria that form plaque. Your dentist will probably also recommend staying away from acidic sodas. The acids that give sodas their tangy bite are terrible for the condition of dental enamel and can cause it to wear away prematurely.
If your child is fitted with an orthodontic appliance, your pediatric orthodontist will also give you some tips on how to keep that appliance clean and healthy. This may include professional dental cleanings and a home water irrigation device to help blast out food particles and plaque.
All of these processes will help get your child set up for great oral health and a beautiful smile for life.
Contact Us
IVANOV Orthodontic Experts, 12866 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=154326063970645489
Call us at (786) 540-1919 to schedule a free orthodontic exam.
Learn more about Everything from Teething to When do Kids Start Losing Teeth at https://ivanovortho.com/all-about-baby-teeth/