Certain traits are inherited from generation to generation. Have you noticed that dad has crowded teeth and mom has an overbite? Most likely you or your children have crooked teeth because traits like tooth size and jaw size have been passed down through the parents DNA.
Is your child showing signs of crooked teeth?
The best place to start is to schedule your first consultation with an Orthodontist in your area. Even if your child has already seen a dentist, it is important to see a doctor that specializes in identifying oral alignment issues. A common misperception is that a dentist must refer you to an orthodontist. This is not necessary, and in fact, most patients at our New Hampshire offices were brought in for an appointment because the parents had identified the problem first.
If your child has had teeth pulled out due to decay, trauma, or injury, we highly recommend you consult an orthodontist. Teeth can also be compromised because of harmful habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or nail biting.
What you can expect during the first consultation
The initial consultation is what we call a clinical examination. During the exam we evaluate the patients soft tissues and hard tissues in their mouth. We conduct a thorough history of dental experience, talk to the parents and make observations about their jaws and teeth.
If a more comprehensive and in-depth evaluation is necessary, the next step would be to have diagnostic records taken. This means we can take x-rays, teeth molds, and digital photographs to help us identify potential problems.
We like to involve the family every step of the way. This is important to our practice because we find that people make more informed decisions if they understand the way our bodies work. You should have open dialogue with your doctor to build a trusting relationship. Your doctor should also provide you with literature and other resources to help you become familiar with orthodontics.
We recommend that you watch our introductory video hosted on our home page to famiarize yourself with our philosophies.
How Can Orthodontics Help?
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on treating teeth that are too big or too small, and repositioning jaw joints that are misaligned. American Dental Association recommends an orthodontic screening exam by the age of 7 years old. If a specialist has the opportunity to see the child at an early age, orthodontics treatment can be completely avoided.
If problems are detected early, our dedicated staff goes through great lengths to provide alternative methods to orthodontics. It is possible to avoid treatment all together, like Dr. Salvatoriello, by maintaining a healthy mouth through good hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing multiple times a day, and eating a nutritional diet.
How can orthodontics help teenagers and adults?
More and more teenagers and adults are receiving orthodontic and dento-facial orthopedic treatment for crooked teeth and misaligned jaw joints. When your permanent teeth start to erupt through your gums, your teeth can start shifting and your bite will continue to develop.
Specialists can help reposition or replace teeth by using treatment methods like braces and/or functional appliances. These treatment methods can decrease the risk for gum disease, reduce stress by correcting the jaw function, and it can be more aesthetically pleasing.
If you don't get treated, what are the negative effects?
In some circumstances, teeth and jaw misalignment are already affecting daily mouth functions. The TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. This joint is like any other joint in the body. We have one jaw joint on the left and one on the right. If you put your finger just above your ear, there is a bone that moves because there is a joint there.
People with bad bites are more likely to develop TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. Usually the jaw will make a clicking or popping sound. Adolescent girls are more proned to getting TMD because they chew gum constantly. The constant need to chew for long periods of time without any rest or nutritional benefit can cause this disorder.
What to do next
We have three offices in New Hampshire located in Hanover, New London, and Clarement. Request an appointment with Dr. Salvatoriello and his staff to evaluate your oral health needs.
