Common Orthodontic Issues We Treat
Are you concerned about your child’s oral health? Preventative care is the best way to keep your loved ones smile’s healthy and beautiful. At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we treat a variety of common orthodontic issues in children, adolescents and even adults. It’s never too late to achieve the healthy and beautiful smile you deserve, and we can help you get there.
Keep reading to learn about some of the most common orthodontic issues our Buffalo orthodontists encounter and how we can help treat them. If you have questions about orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one, contact us today to arrange a free consultation at one of our five convenient locations throughout Western New York.
Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Early or late loss of baby teeth is a common orthodontic issue patients have questions about. Children usually lose their baby teeth are in the same order in which the teeth came in for the child. If a patient does not lose baby teeth during the normal time frame or in the right order, there are several issues that may require orthodontic intervention.
Crowding of teeth may occur if the baby teeth are lost too soon. If baby teeth fall out too late, the permanent teeth may come in crowded and also be crooked. If a permanent tooth comes in before a baby tooth is lost, it can create crowding. Although crowding isn’t an emergency, it is something that can affect the smile or bite of a child. If a child loses a tooth due to trauma or decay, early orthodontic treatment can include using a spacer to make sure that the permanent tooth comes in correctly.
Orthodontic Issues Caused by Thumb Sucking
Prolonged thumb sucking can cause your child to develop what we call an open bite. An open bite is a term used to describe when the upper and lower teeth are unable to make physical contact with each other. Sometimes an open bite corrects itself, but many times it can only be corrected with orthodontic care. In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the open bite. This is also one of the common orthodontic issues we see at our office. If you are concerned about your child’s thumb sucking, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced orthodontists.
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Overbites and Underbites
Overbites and underbites are common orthodontic issues that we treat every day. An overbite occurs when the upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw. An underbite occurs when the lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw. Overbites and underbites don’t always cause problems. Yet, even if your child doesn’t suffer from a speech impediment or sinus problems, they may be subject to teasing from other children. Early orthodontic treatment involves taking x-rays and a mold to determine the cause of the misplaced bite. Then, once we have a full picture of the underlying cause of the malocclusion, we create a customized treatment plan for each child to meet their goals.
Crossbites
Crossbites are one of the most common orthodontic issues we see with our younger patients. A crossbite can be either anterior or posterior. Essentially, it means that when your child bites down, their teeth don’t line up properly. A crossbite can cause dental problems and problems for your child’s self-esteem. It’s possible that an untreated crossbite can cause your child’s face to develop in an asymmetrical fashion. It can also cause gum disease and chronic pain in the jaw, neck and shoulders. A crossbite can be corrected with early orthodontic treatment and can save your child from a life full of chronic pain and low self-esteem.
Common Orthodontic Issues Are Easier To Treat Early!
In the past, the trend for orthodontic treatment was to wait until most or all of a child’s permanent teeth had come in. However, most orthodontic problems are much easier to correct sooner rather than later. This is why professionals recommend and insist upon early orthodontic treatment. This will save you time and money and often prevent the need for more invasive treatment options in the future. If you are concerned about any of these common orthodontic issues we discussed, please contact our office today for a free consultation!
Orthodontists Associates of Western New York is proud to offer early orthodontic treatment throughout Buffalo, Lancaster, Olean, Hamburg, Orchard Park, and Dunkirk, New York.
At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, our reputation as a leader in orthodontic care is based on one thing… Making a Healthy and Beautiful Smile
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