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Interceptive Orthodontics for Children in Southwest Ranches, FL

Akoya Pediatric Dentistry provides orthodontics for children in Southwest Ranches, Florida. We are honored to be considered as your child’s provider and dental home. To learn more, call 954-799-6212 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is concerned with the alignment of the teeth and bite. When the teeth are not properly aligned and the upper teeth do not meet together properly with the lower teeth, a variety of problems can occur, some of which can last well into adulthood. Crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean and bite misalignment can lead to damaged teeth and jaw pain. The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to shift the teeth into proper alignment for optimal dental and oral health. The majority of children will need some type of orthodontic treatment.

Benefits of Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment offers many benefits, including:

Improved dental health. Orthodontic treatment straightens teeth, making it easier to keep them clean and preventing damage from a misaligned bite.

Prevention of jaw pain and headaches. When the top and bottom teeth meet together properly when chewing it can prevent jaw pain and headaches that often result from a misaligned bite.

Better looking smile. Orthodontics can improve the appearance of your child’s smile, giving them straighter, more uniform teeth.

Results last forever. As long as retainers are worn after treatment, the results of orthodontics can last forever.

Procedures Offered

We provide the following orthodontic services for children:

Space maintenance. When a baby tooth is lost or extracted before it is ready to be naturally shed, a space maintainer can hold the place open until the permanent tooth comes in.

Habit appliances. Habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking, and pacifier use can cause abnormal growth of the jaw and improper positioning of the teeth. Habit appliances are put in place to stop these habits and promote healthy growth and development.

Why Choose Akoya Pediatric Dentistry?

As a pediatric dentist it is our duty to provide orthodontic screening and monitoring for our young patients. If we notice any orthodontic concerns that need to be addressed early, we can provide treatment or refer you to an orthodontist when necessary. Early intervention can prevent a variety of dental and oral health problems and even reduce or eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment later in life. We consistently assess and monitor your child’s orthodontic health as part of our regular comprehensive oral examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

Why is a space maintainer necessary?

A space maintainer may be necessary if a baby tooth is knocked out or needs to be extracted before the permanent tooth beneath it is ready to come in. It is important that the space is held open so that the permanent tooth has enough room to come in properly.

How long does it take for habit appliances to work?

A habit appliance may need to stay in place anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Your child may give up the habit (thumb sucking, pacifier) long before that time, but to ensure that it is permanently stopped it should remain in place for the designated time. This prevents the child from resuming the habit as soon as the appliance is removed.

Why is thumb sucking or pacifier use a problem?

When a child sucks their thumb, finger, or uses a pacifier it can cause the front teeth to be angled forward in the jaw. This may result in an overbite, where the top teeth extend too far over the bottom teeth when the child bites down, or an open bite where the teeth don’t meet together at all when the child bites down. If the habit is excessive or done for a long period of time, it can even lead to alterations in the jaw such as a crossbite.

When should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?

We monitor children’s orthodontic health during regular dental visits, but it is recommended that children have a formal orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. If early intervention is needed it will begin around that age. If not, periodic monitoring will be recommended until the time is right for treatment, such as braces.

Does my child need braces?

Your child may need braces if their teeth are not properly aligned, but there are alternative orthodontic treatments as well. The best way to find out whether or not your child needs treatment and what type would be best is to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.

What is the best age for braces?

The average age range for braces is between 10 and 14. This is when children have most of their permanent teeth in place and their jaw is still growing, making it easier to shift the teeth and reshape the jaw for optimal dental health. However, some children may need early orthodontic intervention.

Are gaps between teeth a problem?

Gaps between baby teeth are often normal and mean there will most likely be more room for the permanent teeth to come in since they are larger. Gaps between permanent teeth are a cosmetic issue and may make it easy for food and plaque to gather in the gaps which can be more difficult to remove. Large gaps can also be indicative of another underlying issue.

What is malocclusion?

Malocclusion is the official term for a misaligned bite pattern. When the top and bottom teeth don’t meet together properly, it can lead to ineffective chewing and premature wear of the teeth. Eventually the teeth may even become chipped or cracked from uneven distribution of chewing force.

Call 954-799-6212 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

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Contact our office today to schedule your child's appointment!

954-799-6212

Akoya Pediatric Dentistry

15761 Sheridan Street Suite A

Southwest Ranches, FL 33314

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