Orthodontics is not just reserved for teens and adults; it’s for children, too. Seeing an orthodontist and getting proper care in childhood means three things: Excellent dental hygiene, a dazzling smile, and a reinvigorated sense of confidence.
As orthodontists receive additional training and education, Drs. Lisa M. Giarrusso, Gregory Livanos, and Alyssa Kotin of Central Mass Orthodontics are more than qualified and happy to assist you with your child’s oral health needs.
Does My Child Need to See An Orthodontist?
We believe that young children need to see an orthodontist for a thorough examination of their teeth and jaw. Early intervention not only allows our team to assess the severity of an orthodontic problem, but also minimizes your child’s risk of developing severe oral complications — setting the stage for long-term success in their orthodontic health.
Below are four common bite problems that our orthodontists address in the clinic:
Dental Crowding: Crowding occurs when your child’s jaw is too small to house all teeth. Because of an undersized jaw, teeth begin to crowd and overlap, causing the alignment of the teeth to become crooked. Due to this condition, your child may struggle with brushing and flossing their teeth.
Spacing: Gaps signify the development of adult teeth. But if there are still spaces after the eruption of permanent teeth, your child may have tooth spacing. This condition happens when they have small or missing teeth. It also occurs when their permanent teeth fail to erupt. Alarmingly, gaps between teeth cause cavities, misalignment, halitosis (bad breath), and plaque build-up.
Underbite: An underbite happens when the lower teeth jut out from the jaw. Because underbites are caused by genetics and poor childhood habits, they can lead to sleep apnea, halitosis, tooth decay, and other oral complications.
Overbite: This bite problem occurs when the upper jaw appears more forward than the lower jaw. In addition to sleep apnea and asymmetrical facial structure, overbites also cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders — which lead to headaches, jaw pain or stiffness, and neck pain.
Should I Wait Until My Child Turns Seven?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) — a dental organization founded in 1900 — a child must see an orthodontist by seven years old.
This is because kids at this age start to lose their baby teeth and develop permanent teeth, allowing our team of orthodontists at Central Mass Orthodontics in Auburn, Spencer, and Worcester to detect the early signs of bite problems and provide the appropriate treatment.
However — no matter the age — your child needs to see an orthodontist if they exhibit crooked or spaced teeth and struggle with speaking or chewing. Jaw and teeth misalignment also require a consultation with a family orthodontist.
What Childhood Habits Lead to Orthodontic Problems?
Overbites, underbites, and other orthodontic conditions are a product of genetics. However, your child’s habits — no matter how cute they are — also contribute to these problems. Below are some of the behaviors you must keep an eye on:
Nail Biting: Maybe your child is bored, or perhaps it’s just the way they cope with stress. Either way, your little one’s nail-biting habit is something you should not ignore, as this causes crooked teeth and misalignment issues. These orthodontic problems affect your child’s smile, which in turn, leads to poor self-confidence.
Thumb-sucking: Thumb-sucking is normal among kids and is a reflex that has developed since they were in their mother’s womb. However, after a certain age, parents must step up and break this habit for good. If you continue enabling your child’s thumb-sucking habit, they are more likely to develop an overbite or an open bite.
Pacifier Use: Though pacifiers provide temporary relief, they can be detrimental to your little one’s dental health. If you let your child use their pacifier beyond 6 to 12 months of age, they can develop gum loss and cavities and their bites may become misaligned. After four years old, their risk of having said conditions increases.
What Should Parents Expect During Their Child’s Orthodontic Consultation?
Much like taking their first step or saying their first word, your child’s first orthodontic visit should be a milestone you must commemorate. Dental visits may be scary, but our offices in Auburn, Spencer, and Worcester have comfortable environments, so you and your child can enjoy our state-of-the-art services.
Here are some things you and your child can expect from our team:
Physical and Virtual Appointments: We have an appointment form for you to complete on our website. You can select your preferred appointment medium as well as your preferred office if you’re opting for an in-person visit. Virtual appointments, though, are conducted via a video call. Take note that Central Mass Orthodontics doesn’t offer free consultations.
Tailor-Fit Treatment Plan: It’s hard to pinpoint if metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign are the best treatment for a particular orthodontic problem. But don’t worry, because our team of doctors will help you out. Since our treatment plans are unique for each patient, we will answer questions about each option and their respective levels of discomfort. We will also be transparent about your child’s condition and our clinic’s payment options. In addition, we will share the cost breakdown of your treatment plan.
Same-Day Treatment: With this service, your child can have their orthodontic treatment right after your consultation with either of our doctors. Abreast with current orthodontic advancements and technologies, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, and Dr. Kotin can provide modern, comfortable treatment that can make your child look forward to their next visit.
What Should Parents Do During Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a life-changing milestone for children. As parents, it’s your job to support your little one at every stage of the treatment. Here’s what you should do to make their orthodontic journey a memorable one:
Manage Expectations: The perfect smile doesn’t come overnight, so it’s important to be patient with your child’s treatment. More often than not, treatment takes one to two years to complete — though this timeframe varies between individuals.
Schedule Appointments: Setting an appointment for your child will allow our team to monitor their treatment progress and oral health.
Maintain Your Child’s Dental Health: No parent wants to put their time, effort, and hard-earned money to waste. During treatment, it’s important for your child to practice proper oral care, such as helping them clean their braces or floss properly. Bear in mind that poor dental hygiene leads to plaque buildup and periodontal disease.
Visit Us Today
The Central Massachusetts Orthodontic team is here to help you and your child! If you’re wondering whether your child might benefit from orthodontic care, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team. Early evaluation is important to identify potential issues and ensure the best possible outcome for your child’s smile.
Even if treatment isn’t needed right away, establishing an early relationship with an orthodontist can bring peace of mind and promote your child’s oral health as they grow. Contact Central Mass Orthodontics today to schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation at either of our offices in Auburn, Spencer or Worcester.