Orthodontics

Teeth Straightening
Crooked or crowned teeth, underbites, overbites, spaces between teeth, and improper jaw position can all be corrected by an orthodontist. These common problems can lead to potential chipping or fracturing of teeth, and leaves a person more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Speech can also be affected by severe problems

Orthodontic treatment uses a combination of brackets, bands, wires, and elastics to create braces for teeth. The teeth can slowly be moved to corrected positions over the period of approximately three years. After the braces are removed, a retainer is made so that teeth can set into their corrected spots. Orthodontists recommend this be done when children are 10-14 because the jaw is still developing and growing. However, this procedure can be done at any age—but it may take longer in adults to readjust teeth that have been set in place for many years.

There are some discomforts that come along with straightening teeth, and people with braces often need to pay special attention to their oral hygiene to prevent food particles from becoming stuck in the dental applications and decaying. However, many who have gone through the orthodontic process find it to be a worthwhile investment for oral healthy and physical improvements.

Thumb Sucking
Sucking is a natural instinct in infants, as this is the way nutrients are receive and often acts as a soothing function when they are upset. Sucking on the thumb because it is a readily available object is normal, but can have detrimental results if it is done past the age of four. Development of the jaw and teeth are affected by the constant sucking. Crooked teeth, incorrect bite, and speech problems often develop in children who are allowed to suck their thumbs for prolonged periods of time.

Parents who notice thumb sucking early on can try to switch the habit from the thumb to a pacifier. There are pacifiers that fit the shape of the child’s mouth to evenly distribute the force of sucking, and are less likely to create problems. It is easier to wean the child off a pacifier as well because it can be taken away, unlike the child’s thumb that is always accessible for sucking.

Some helpful tips in discouraging thumb sucking include:

• Constant positive praise and small rewards when the child does not suck its thumb

• Placing a band-aid over the thumb as a reminder not to place it in the child’s mouth.

• For nighttime thumb suckers, an ace bandage wrapped down the arm and elbow area to keep the joint straight at night will pull the thumb from the sleeping child when the tension in the bending elbow is released.