The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. It is estimated that 80% of our facial growth is completed by age 8. Most jaw and dental problems can be easily identified at this early age, such as snoring, mouth breathing and teeth grinding by guiding facial development with appliances. Then 80% of the treatment can be corrected before the adult teeth are present. An early exam allows Drs. Coulson, Sherry, and Bockus to determine how and when a child's particular jaw and dental problems should be corrected for the optimal results.

Mouth breathing can cause narrow arches and unattractive smiles. By using functional appliances while children are actively growing, we can help them achieve a broad beautiful smile. Mouth breathing can lead to orthodontic problems as well as other problems, such as lack of oxygen and poor sleep habits. This leaves children prone to daytime fatigue, an inability to concentrate in school, and headaches.

Quite often the reason a child is mouth breathing is due to the fact that they have a blockage in their airway. This could be in the area of the adenoids, tonsils or nose and caused by allergies or an infection. Referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist may be indicated to resolve the problem so that growth is not affected.

Narrow jaws can confine the tongue and interfere with normal speech. Crowded teeth may be caused by narrow jaws. By developing the jaws at an early age, we may prevent or eliminate crowding or even extractions of the permanent teeth.

Almost 50% of children who need treatment have an underdeveloped lower jaw. Functional appliances can reposition the lower jaw forward without surgery, improving the profile and correcting the overjet problem usually within 7 - 9 months.

Many children with narrow jaws, deep overbites or receding lower jaws have unhealthy jaw joints. Some of the symptoms of a jaw joint problem include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Difficulty Opening Jaw
• Neck pain
• Earaches
• Clicking or Locking Jaw Joints
• Ringing in the Ears

Click on smilepage to learn more about meeting your child's orthodontic needs as early as possible. If you suspect a problem with your child's bite or jaw alignment, please schedule an initial consultation today.

Drs. Coulson, Sherry, and Bockus have studied under the renowned Dr. Derek Mahony and are pleased to offer Damon brackets.