La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Understanding orthodontic issues and when to be concerned about your child’s smile can be confusing. What is a normal issue and what might be cause for concern? Why should your child see an orthodontist and not just a dentist, and when should you schedule that first appointment? Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics, a La Habra/Chino Hills orthodontist discusses what parents need to know when it comes to braces and timing.

“I love the field of orthodontics because it gives me the opportunity to transform people’s lives,” says Dr. Gire, an American Board of Orthodontics Diplomate. “But I know that for many parents, understanding when and why orthodontics may be necessary or their child can be confusing. Orthodontics is the specialized form of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. In many cases with early intervention, we may be able to prevent more complex issues. Orthodontists have the special training and education needed to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaws, and improve the function of smiles.”

You’ve probably heard an orthodontist use the word malocclusion, which is a big word that simply means bad bite. Malocclusions could refer to an open bite, an over bite, a cross bite, an underbite – it is an all-encompassing word that means the patient exhibits an improper bite. There are three classes of malocclusions that can be diagnosed by an orthodontist, and that might require orthodontic treatment to correct. Only a consultation with a certified orthodontist will be able to tell you if your child might require orthodontic treatment, but there are some signs parents can look out for that could indicate an issue. Some of those issues include:

• Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing, biting, and/or speaking
• Crowded or misplaced teeth
• A jaw that makes sounds
• Teeth that meet abnormally, or not at all
• Extended use of a pacifier or extended thumb sucking

While it is never too late to begin orthodontic treatment, it is recommended that children see an orthodontist by the age of seven. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends this age because the child will most likely have a mix of permanent and baby teeth, and will be able to observe jaw growth and pinpoint if any issues may be on the horizon. While not all children will require any sort of orthodontic work at this age, it’s best to begin a relationship with an orthodontist while the jaw is still growing. This way when treatment is indicated, it can begin at the right time to have the most impact. Waiting can exacerbate the problem, and lead to more complex treatment.

At your complimentary initial consultation, Dr. Gire will review the child’s dental and medical history forms, provide a complete oral exam, as well as take digital photos and X-rays. If treatment is indicated, you’ll get a customized treatment plan and an explanation of all financial obligations. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about your child’s orthodontic treatment to ensure you have all the information you need to proceed.

If Dr. Gire recommends treatment for your child, he can give you an approximate time he thinks the treatment may take. Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball that can tell Dr. Gire precisely how long braces treatment will last. On average, it can take between six and 30 months, but the average is around 18 months. The length of time your child will be in braces will depend on how well your child’s teeth respond to treatment. Some teeth simply move faster than others.

It’s important to ensure your child maintains regular checkups with his or her dentist during treatment. Maintaining those regular checkups with your dentist is even more important during orthodontic treatment. Your child’s braces can create nooks and crannies where food can get trapped and decay can set in. It’s important that your child’s teeth stay healthy to ensure treatment stays on track.

There will be a period of adjustment when your child first has their braces put on. It will take a few days for his or her mouth to get used to the feel of the wires and brackets and there may be some initial discomfort in the first few days. If your child plays sports, especially contact sports, it will be important to ensure he or she wears a protective mouthguard to prevent injury. If your child is wearing traditional metal braces, he or she will also have to make some adjustments to their diet. Make sure they avoid, hard, crunchy, sticky, and chewy foods that could damage their brackets and wires. Dr. Gire and the staff at Gire Orthodontics will discuss all of this with you and your family at the appointment the braces are applied.

Orthodontic treatment can ensure your child not only has a straight and beautiful smile, but a properly functioning one as well. A straight smile is also a healthy smile, so beginning a relationship with an orthodontist can ensure your child has a healthy smile for life.