How Genetics Impact Your Orthodontic Treatments

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When it comes to orthodontics, there are some matters that are entirely within control. For example, a parent might help their child stop thumb-sucking at an early age in an effort to avoid teeth or jaw misalignments. However, there are also a number of factors that are outside your control, including your genetic history. Here, we’ll look at how genes impact everything from your palate to your teeth, and how an orthodontist in Derby, KS can help.

Genes and Sizing

One of the biggest problems when it comes to your mouth and its configuration comes down to sheer size, and your genes determine the proportions of your teeth and your jaw size. If the jaw is large and the teeth are small, you’ll see spacing. If it’s the reverse, you’ll see crowding. This may mean you need anything from headgear to braces in Derby, KS. 

Genes and Alignment

Your breathing, eating, and speaking patterns are partially determined by how your upper and lower jaw meet. Genetics can be a common culprit if you have an overbite or underbite, meaning one jaw sticks out farther than the other. Genetics can also impact your enamel formation, which can also influence your bite. You need strong enamel for strong teeth, and they may not form correctly if you’re predisposed to weak production.

How an Orthodontist Can Help

At Derby Orthodontics, our team is here to help you learn more about steps you can take to control for genetic factors, but we can also help you with the elements that are inside your control. Whether you’re interested in early treatments for your child or Invisalign for yourself, contact our team to learn more about what you can do.

3 Tips to Help Your Child Stop Sucking Their Thumb

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Thumb-sucking may be a normal habit for kids, but prolonging the activity can eventually narrow the palate. This creates a higher roof as the child’s mouth adapts to the shape of the thumb.

Thumb-sucking is largely linked to crossbites, where the upper teeth will sit outside the lower teeth, but can also lead to general teeth alignment issues. Here, we’ll look at what you can do to help your child stop sucking their thumb in Derby, KS to potentially reduce the odds of a future orthodontic treatment.

Tips for Habit Control

Here are a few tips to keep the issue under control:

  • Root cause: The first step is to identify when your child sucks their thumb. Usually, it’s due to stress or tiredness, so it’s important to start recognizing early signs before the behavior even starts.
  • Barriers: Anything from mittens to fidget spinners can create a barrier between your child and their thumb. Even a small impediment, like picking up their toys, can make a big difference in cutting back on thumb-sucking.
  • Praise: An orthodontist in Derby, KS can tell you that reward charts and praise can be good motivators for a child, especially if they’re used in conjunction with addressing the root cause of the issue. Small incentives don’t just give the child immediate gratification, it’s a reminder that you’re looking out for their well-being.

Talk to an Orthodontist in Derby, KS

If you think that your child may have already impacted their mouth, contact Derby Orthodontics to learn more about how Phase One treatments could help correct issues before your child reaches their teen years. The more you do now, the less you’ll have to do later!

Is It Too Early To Bring My Child to the Orthodontist?

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Kids need straight teeth to keep them healthy and clean. If your child has orthodontic problems such as crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, get them help from an orthodontist in Derby, KS. The earlier you get your child help, the better. Knowing when to bring your child to the orthodontist can help you take care of your child’s teeth.

When should my child see the orthodontist for the first time?

Experts recommend that children visit the orthodontist for the first time when they turn seven years old. That may sound early, especially if your child is still losing all their baby teeth! Never fear: your child doesn’t need to have all their permanent teeth to see the orthodontist.

Why should I bring my child to the orthodontist at an early age?

Bringing your child to the orthodontist at an early age can help the orthodontist identify any problems with their teeth that could be corrected while your child is still growing. For example, some children can benefit from a palatal expander. Palatal expanders can widen the jaw to make room for teeth, reducing the chances that your child’s teeth will be crowded. This can reduce the need for orthodontic treatment later on.

What are the signs that my child needs braces or early orthodontic intervention in Derby, KS?

If your child needs braces, you may notice problems such as crowded teeth, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, or difficulty chewing. Your child may have a visibly misaligned bite, such as an overbite or an underbite. Even if you don’t notice these symptoms, it’s still important to get your child evaluated by an orthodontist. To schedule an appointment for early orthodontic services in Derby, KS, call today.

What to Expect When Your Child Needs Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment 

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Does your child have crooked teeth or other problems that an orthodontist can treat? Our orthodontists in Derby, KS, at Derby Orthodontics provide care for adolescents who have bite or alignment issues. Here’s what to expect if your child needs orthodontic treatment.

Consultation

Our process starts with a thorough evaluation to determine what kind of care your child needs to get the best results. We consider the severity of their issues and other factors.

Imaging and Measurements

The next step involves taking images and measuring your child’s jaw and teeth. This info helps us figure out the right treatment approach and plan for customized braces or other oral appliances.

Customized Treatment Plan

Once we have all of the info we need, we’ll start coming up with a personalized treatment plan for your child. We’ll go over available options for addressing specific issues.

Treatment Options for Adolescents

Our adolescent orthodontic treatment in Derby, KS, includes several options for crooked teeth, crowding, bite issues, and other problems. Some of these treatments include metal braces, clear aligners, expanders, rubber bands, and oral appliances.

Fittings for Braces or Other Oral Appliances

When we know what kind of treatment your child will be getting, we’ll have you bring them in to have braces applied to their teeth or make sure aligners or other devices fit correctly.

Follow-Up Care

We always provide aftercare when adolescents are done going through orthodontic treatment to help maintain results.

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation Today for Your Child!

Does your child need braces or other orthodontic care? At Derby Orthodontics, we offer adolescent orthodontic treatment in Derby, KS. This process begins with a consultation so we can determine how to best treat your child’s bite or tooth alignment issues.

What Signs Might Indicate Your Child Needs Early Phase One Treatment?

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Has your child had their jaw and teeth checked for alignment issues or other problems? An orthodontic visit around age 7 or so allows us to determine if your child may need early “phase one” treatment. Our orthodontists in Derby, KS, at Derby Orthodontics offer this kind of care to help ensure proper jaw and teeth growth and development. We may recommend this treatment if your child has any of the following signs.

Not Enough Space for Permanent Teeth

Your child needs the right amount of room for their teeth to come in. We may use expanders or other appliances to create more space for these teeth and prevent crowding.

Upper and Lower Jaw Misalignment

If your child’s jaws don’t align properly, we can offer treatment to correct this. Addressing this issue earlier helps lower the risk of needing braces later on.

Tooth Positioning Causing Oral Hygiene Issues

Is the position of one or more teeth causing oral health problems? Early “phase one” treatment includes the use of oral appliances that help correct these positions.

Narrow Upper Jaw

This may cause your child to have an inadequate amount of space for their permanent teeth. We can address this during treatment with the right oral appliances.

Extra Teeth or Missing Teeth

Does your child have too many or not enough teeth? Whether they have missing or extra teeth, our orthodontists can treat this during phase one care.

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation for Your Child!

Is your child due for their first orthodontic evaluation? Our team at Derby Orthodontics can provide this service and determine if your child would benefit from undergoing early “phase one” treatment in Derby, KS, to correct alignment or jaw issues.