Orthodontic Interventions at Burke & Redford Orthodontists
The progression of a child’s dental development is a pivotal aspect of their overall health, with baby teeth playing an important role. Dr. Ryan Redford and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend an initial orthodontic evaluation around the age of seven years old. The initial complimentary consultation and examination allows for establishing a baseline of a child’s oral health and orthodontic condition. This can then be compared to as time goes on to ensure the jaw and teeth are moving into the proper positions correctly.
Significance of Baby Teeth in Orthodontic Health
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, play a vital role as placeholders for permanent teeth that replace them later. They are more than just placeholders, though. They serve several essential functions:
– Guiding Permanent Teeth: Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, guiding them into the correct position.
– Jaw and Muscle Development: They aid in the development of the jaw and muscles.
– Speech and Chewing: Baby teeth are vital for early speech development and efficient chewing.
Early Loss of Baby Teeth: Causes and Consequences
Losing baby teeth prematurely can have significant orthodontic implications. Common causes include:
– Injury or Trauma: Accidents during play can lead to early tooth loss.
– Dental Decay: Poor oral hygiene can cause cavities, leading to early extraction.
The consequences of such early losses are noteworthy:
– Space Loss: There can be a reduction in space for permanent teeth, leading to crowding, misalignment, or impaction.
– Altered Eruption Pattern: The early loss of baby teeth can affect how and when permanent teeth erupt.
Late Loss of Baby Teeth: Understanding the Implications
Conversely, the delayed loss of baby teeth also presents orthodontic challenges:
– Impacted Permanent Teeth: Permanent teeth may become impacted (stuck underneath the gum line) or erupt in incorrect positions.
– Crowding: Delay in shedding baby teeth can lead to spacing issues and teeth crowding.
– Ankylosis and Supraeruption of other Permanent Teeth: Baby teeth can sometime fuse to the underlying bone, resulting in them “sinking” towards the gumline. This, in turn, can lead to the opposing permanent tooth erupting too far and into and unfavorable alignment or bite.
– Delayed Timing for Braces: The ideal time for full braces or Invisalign is usually after the last baby tooth has shed and all permanent teeth are present. When baby teeth hang around for too long it can delay starting treatment or the total length of treatment.
Comprehensive Assessment by Burke & Redford Orthodontists
Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke approach these issues with meticulous care:
– Individualized Assessment: Each case is evaluated on its unique characteristics.
– Continuous Monitoring: Regular check-ups ensure timely intervention.
Will Your Child Need Braces?
The necessity for braces in children who have lost multiple baby teeth early largely depends on how their permanent teeth erupt:
Crooked Growth: If the permanent teeth emerge crooked due to the lack of guidance from the baby teeth, braces may be required to correct the alignment.
Space Management: Orthodontic devices like expanders can help create/manage the space in the mouth, ensuring that permanent teeth have adequate room to grow in properly.
Additional Orthodontic Treatment Options
– Space Maintainers: For early loss, these devices reserve space for permanent teeth.
– Active Intervention: In cases of late loss, interventions may include removal of baby teeth to facilitate proper eruption of permanent ones.
The Role of Preventive Care and Parental Guidance
Prevention and education are key components:
– Oral Hygiene Education: Teaching children about proper dental care.
– Regular Dental Visits: Ensuring timely detection and intervention.
Long-Term Benefits of Timely Orthodontic Intervention
Addressing the loss of baby teeth timely can have lasting benefits:
– Proper Alignment: Ensures proper alignment of permanent teeth.
– Overall Oral Health: Prevents complex orthodontic issues in the future.
Types of Braces Offered by Burke & Redford Orthodontists
At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, we offer a range of advanced orthodontic solutions that cater to the diverse needs of our patients. Understanding that each person’s orthodontic presentation is unique, we offer several types of orthodontic appliances – expanders, space maintainers, braces, including self-ligating ceramic and metal braces, Damon braces, and Invisalign orthodontist for teens. Here is a brief overview of each option:
Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces
– Esthetic Appeal: These braces are designed to be less noticeable due to their clear or tooth-colored brackets.
– Efficiency: They use a slide mechanism that holds the wire, allowing teeth to move freely and making adjustment appointments easy and efficient.
Self-Ligating Metal Braces
– Durability: Made of high-grade stainless steel, these braces are strong and resilient.
– Precision: They provide efficient and precise movement of teeth.
Damon Braces System
– Innovative Technology: Damon braces are a popular type of self-ligating system.
Invisalign for Teens
– Invisible Aligners: Invisalign offers a less noticeable way to straighten teeth using clear aligners.
– Customized for Teens: These aligners are specifically designed for each patient, accommodating the position of their teeth as treatment progresses.
– Convenience and Comfort: Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier for teens to eat, brush, and floss, and they are generally more comfortable than traditional braces.
Why Patients Choose Burke & Redford Orthodontists
The choice of Burke & Redford Orthodontists comes with distinct advantages:
– Pediatric Orthodontic Expertise: Drs. Redford and Burke have extensive experience in pediatric orthodontic needs.
– Customized Care: Each child receives an orthodontic treatment plan tailored to their specific orthodontic problems and needs. No two treatment plans are identical.
The early or late loss of baby teeth necessitates specialized attention to ensure proper dental development. Parents seeking expert orthodontic care for their children should consider Burke & Redford Orthodontists for their commitment to excellence and personalized approach.
Requesting a consultation can be the first step towards safeguarding your child’s dental future.
Address: 41238 Margarita Rd Ste 101, Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: (951) 699-8011
Office Hours: M-F 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lake Elsinore Orthodontist Office
Address: 351 Railroad Canyon Rd Ste C, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532
Phone: (951) 699-8011
Office Hours: Open 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.