orthodontics

Other benefits of early treatment:

Improve profiles, smiles and self-esteem
Correct harmful habits, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. Functional appliances develop the arches and make more room for the tongue.
Improved speech
Reduction of the time in fixed braces and frequently eliminates the need for the extraction of permanent teeth
Increases nasal breathing which improves health
Eliminates airway constriction
Creates beautiful broad smiles by developing the arches
Eliminates grinding of the teeth at night
Prevents headaches and earaches


Cross Bite Pre-Treatment	Cross Bite Corrected 3 Years Later

FUNCTIONAL HABITS

Functional habits include thump sucking, mouth breathing or a tongue thrust habit which can contribute to the unfavorable growth of the jaws. Oral habits can commonly cause the upper front teeth to stick out and can contribute to speech problems. The best way to intercept a habit is to first make certain that the child has a proper size airway and can breath through the nose. In cases where there are serious allergies, swollen adenoids or tonsils, a referral to an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist must be done.


Effects of Finger Habit	Habit Corrected

After airway considerations are addressed an upper fixed habit- breaking appliance could be made to stop the oral habit. Most parents prefer the fixed appliances, which cannot be removed by the child. A tiny patient friendly crib at the front of the appliance helps to remind the patient not to place their tongue, finger of thumb in this area of the mouth. Active treatment usually takes 4 to 5 months. Then if an arch development appliance was used, the crib could be removed, and the child wears the appliance as a retainer for another 6 months to prevent a relapse.


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