What is an orthodontist? An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed two to three years of training after graduating from dental school. An orthodontist is trained not only in straightening teeth, but also in bite relationships, jaw relationships, and facial growth and development as well. When should a child first see an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child should first visit an orthodontist by age seven. If you see one of our pediatric dentists, he or she has been specially trained to recognize early orthodontic problems, and will refer you to an orthodontist at the appropriate time. While most children will not need early orthodontic treatment, several specific problems can best be treated while a child is growing (i.e. treating excessive growth of the lower jaw, or expansion of a narrow upper jaw bone). When you visit the orthodontist, he or she will let you know if your child has problems that should be treated early, and will let you know when treatment should begin. Can I be too oldfor braces? Orthodontic treatment can be successfulat any age. In fact, 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. We offer clearceramic braces that make orthodontic treatment less noticeable for our adultpatients. How long do bracesneed to be worn? In general, orthodontic treatmenttime ranges between one and three years. The actual time depends on many factors:growth of the patientís jaws, cooperation of the patient, and the severity of theproblem. Do I still see mydentist every six months while I am in braces? Yes.It is very important that patients wearing braces visit their regular dentist atleast every six months while in treatment. Your regular dentist will continue toperform a professional cleaning, and check you for cavities and gum disease whileyou are wearing braces. Depending on your oral health, some dentists recommendthat you see them more often than every six months while you are inbraces.
			Canall children grow up cavity-free? Ten years ago, wemight have said no. But today‚s research and new, easy-to-follow professionaladvice indeed make it possible for almost every child to grow upcavity-free. What guidelines will help children remain cavity-free? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises: • Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day • Floss children's teeth once a day until they are able to do it themselves – around age 7 or 8 • Visit your pediatric dentist regularly • Get enough fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products, and, when indicated, through fluoride supplements • Have sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent back teeth or molars soon after they come in • Snack moderately – no more than twice a day. Is diet important in the prevention of cavities? Though a balanced diet is certainly important in preventing cavities, experts agree that cavities are not only the result of what children eat, but also, how often they eat. Frequent snacking without brushing leaves food on the teeth longer and fosters tooth decay. At what age should I take my child to the dentist for the first time? Let the first tooth, witch will surface between six and twelve months, remind you that it‚s time to see your pediatric dentist. Though this may seem early, 40% of toddlers between two and three have some inflammation of the gums and/or cavities. Be sure to get advice on tooth cleaning, pacifiers, fluoride, and preventing injuries for young walkers. What are dental sealants? Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found. Made of clear or shaded plastic, sealants are painted onto the tiny grooves and depressions in the molars. By "sealing out" food and plaque, sealants reduce the risk of decay. They are quickly and painlessly applied to any baby teeth and permanent teeth that, in the dentists opinion, are likely to have decay in the biting surface. Sealants must be checked periodically and replaced when necessary, though they generally last for several years. Can all children benefit from dental sealants? Studies show that 4 out of 5 cavities in children under age 15 develop on the biting surface of back molars. Molars commonly decay because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces. Though fluoride works to prevent cavities on the smooth surfaces of teeth, it is not as effective on the biting surfaces of back teeth. Sealants prevent the cavities that fluoride cannot effectively reach. As a preventive mechanism, sealants are an important part of a cavity-free generation. When should my child begin to brush his/her teeth? Brushing should actually begin before children are capable of doing it themselves. A wet cloth or gauze effectively cleans gums and removes plaque after nursing and establishes a good habit early on. Gentle brushing with a soft bristle brush begins with the first tooth and flossing, when most baby teeth are in. Is it important to care for my childs baby teeth since they will eventually come out anyway? Proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in enhancing the health of the growing adult teeth. The primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into position and allow normal development of the jawbone and muscles. Because primary teeth hold space for the successors, early loss or damage can severely affect the outcome of the permanent teeth. As with adults, children need healthy teeth and mouths to chew food easily, learn to pronounce words properly and speak clearly, and smile with confidence. What should I do if my child chips or knocks out a tooth? If a tooth is broken, save any fragments and make an emergency visit to your dentists office. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, find it, and if it is not broken, rinse it in cool water and gently replace it in the socket. Hold it there while you hurry to see your dentist. If the tooth does not seem replaceable, bring it with you to the dentist in a glass of milk or cool water. Never delay – the faster you get to the dentist, the better your chances of saving a tooth. Remember, all injuries to the mouth should be examined by the dentist. A chipped or broken tooth can usually be repaired. My teeth have always been crooked. Is there anything that can be done to make sure that my childs teeth come in straight? Fortunately, orthodontic treatment has come a long way, especially with early intervention procedures. As your pediatric dentist monitors your childs development, he or she can teach your child to avoid oral habits that encourage orthodontic problems. Your dentist also can identify malocclusion (abnormal dental alignment) right away and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth. Many times, early orthodontic treatment can prevent more extensive treatment later. Though your child may need braces, new preventive techniques can minimize time needed to wear them.

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