Orthodontic Referrals in Pearland, TX
At around the ages of seven to eleven, your pediatric dentist at Radford Dental Wellness for Young People can determine the need for a complete orthodontist exam. You can have confidence that we will only refer you to a high-quality orthodontist in the Pearland and Houston areas.
Early Treatment
Treating orthodontic issues sooner rather than later is beneficial to a young person’s smile. By maintaining good dental care as a child grows up, serious problems can be intercepted or prevented altogether, resulting in shorter and less complicated treatments. For best results, it is recommended that treatment is performed before the face and jaws have finished developing. Early treatment helps to:
- Guide mandibular (jaw) growth
- Correct protruding teeth
- Correct bad oral habits (such as thumb-sucking)
- Improve appearances (aesthetics)
- Direct permanent teeth into proper placement
- Improve self-esteem and boost confidence
Orthodontic Exam
During an orthodontic exam, the patient’s face will be examined from the front for overall facial symmetry and balance. The orthodontist will also examine the patient’s profile with the lips at rest, then examine the child’s overall bite. Crowded teeth and spacing will be observed, and the patient’s overall dental health will be taken into consideration. The exam may reveal that your child’s bite is fine, that the teeth are developing normally and no orthodontic treatment will be necessary. On the other hand, the orthodontist may observe a developing problem and wish to observe it over the next several months. If treatment is recommended, parents can work with the orthodontist on a treatment plan.
Orthodontic Treatment
Common issues that orthodontic treatment can address include:
- Protruding upper front teeth
- Crowding: a narrow jaw may not have enough room for all the teeth. Conversely, there may be significant gaps in the teeth that require treatment.
- Asymmetry: could be the result of the teeth drifting or the jaw shifting position
- Overbite: when the upper teeth cover the lower teeth too much
- Underbite: when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
- Open bite: when the front teeth remain apart when the back teeth meet
- Impacted teeth
Orthodontic treatment usually lasts at least two years and requires orthodontic appointments approximately every five or six weeks.
If you feel that your child may require orthodontic treatment, make an appointment at Radford Dental Wellness for Young People in Pearland, TX for an examination.