When Is My Child Old Enough to Get An Orthodontic Evaluation?

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Many kids don’t get an orthodontic treatment like braces or aligners until they’re in their teen years. Did you know many kids can benefit from orthodontic treatment when they’re seven, eight, or nine?

Early orthodontic treatment helps kids get their orthodontic troubles under control at a young age. Your child’s dentist in Solon, OH, can help. At McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics, we help our pediatric patients by giving early orthodontic evaluations. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Get an Early Orthodontic Evaluation

Orthodontic troubles often start small and get more severe over time. Getting your child evaluated for orthopedic treatment can help your child’s dentist determine if anything can be done to prevent severe orthodontic problems. Treating problems early can save money and may mean your child’s treatment will take less time.

When to Get an Early Orthodontic Evaluation

Many experts recommend that children get evaluated for orthodontic treatments by the time they’re seven years old. If you’re unsure whether it’s too soon for your child to see a dentist for an evaluation, contact your child’s dentist at McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics to speak with an expert. Our dental professionals can help answer your questions and decide when to bring your child in.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation

During the orthodontic evaluation, your child’s dentist will start by evaluating your child’s oral health history and any interventions your child has already undergone. The dentist will also take X-rays and impressions of your child’s teeth. This will help the dentist determine if your child needs intervention and, if so, what kind.

The dentist may decide nothing can be done for your child yet, but it’s estimated that 50 to 70% of US children will wear braces before adulthood. In other words, an orthodontic evaluation in Solon, OH is well worth the time and trouble! To find out more about how you can get your child an orthodontic evaluation, contact McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics today.

What is Airway Orthodontics?

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At McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics, we offer the latest technologies and treatment methods for our patients requiring orthodontics in Solon, OH and surrounding areas. One of the methods we use is airway orthodontics, which is a relatively new option. Airway orthodontics is an emerging field within orthodontic practice that focuses on optimizing the airway to improve overall health and well-being. Here is more information about this exciting field.

Understanding Airway Orthodontics

The airway is an essential part of the respiratory system. In many cases, the airway is partially obstructed, causing a variety of problems that may include breathing issues, sleep disorders and other secondary health problems.

Many issues can cause airway obstruction, including misalignments and improper growth. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which primarily aims to correct dental misalignments and improve aesthetics, airway orthodontics addresses the relationship between dental structures, jaw development, and airway function.

Benefits of Airway Orthodontic Treatment

Airway orthodontics integrates orthodontic treatment with a broader understanding of facial growth and respiratory health, which offers patients several key benefits:

Improved Sleep

One of the biggest benefits of airway orthodontics is improvement in sleep. Orthodontists know that certain things like sleep apnea, snoring and mouth breathing during sleep are not only disruptive to sleep, but they are often linked to the structural makeup of the dental arches and jaw. Through airway orthodontic treatment, airflow can be greatly improved, alleviating the symptoms that cause poor sleep.

More Efficient Oxygenation

The entire body requires proper oxygenation for optimal health. An obstructed airway inhibits the natural flow of life-giving oxygen. After airway orthodontics, patients often enjoy enhanced overall health due to better oxygenation. This treatment can also positively impact childhood development. Addressing airway issues early, particularly in children, can prevent the development of related health problems and support optimal growth and development.

Facial Aesthetics

Airway orthodontics can also improve facial aesthetics in cases where jaw growth and dental alignment need to be treated. Airway orthodontics often involves using appliances such as palatal expanders, functional appliances and braces. These treatments can improve facial symmetry, dental alignment, and overall facial aesthetics while simultaneously enhancing airway function.

For the latest treatments in airway orthodontics in Solon, OH, contact McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics. We look forward to serving all your family’s orthodontic needs!

What Is Holistic Orthodontics?

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When you hear the term “holistic orthodontics,” what do you think of? Many people aren’t sure what to expect and really don’t know what the term holistic orthodontics means. At McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics, we practice holistic orthodontics. If you need orthodontic treatment in Shaker Heights, OH, we think you can benefit from this important kind of treatment. Here’s what you need to know about holistic orthodontics and how it can affect you.

What Is Holistic Orthodontics?

As a medical term, the word “holistic” means considering and addressing the whole. When doctors practice holistic medicine, they consider factors in the patient’s environment, mental health, spiritual health, and other factors when they diagnose and treat a patient. Holistic orthodontics is not that different.

Holistic orthodontics is the practice of considering how all the different parts of the mouth relate to each other and how the patient’s goals for their aesthetic appearance and their overall bite structure relate to each other. Considering these factors, the dentist creates a treatment plan that can address both issues at once.

How Is Holistic Orthodontics Different from Conventional Orthodontics?

Traditional orthodontics may only consider one goal at a time and may not consider how the various aspects of tooth orientation and jaw orientation are related. Holistic orthodontics is a complex approach that allows the dentist to meet the patient’s goals and create a healthy bone structure all at once.

At McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics, we’re happy to offer holistic orthodontic services in Shaker Heights, OH. To find out more about how our holistic orthodontic services can help you, call us to make an appointment today.

Holistic Orthodontics: An Introduction

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Many people are surprised to learn that we offer orthodontic treatment in Solon, OH, for children as young as two years of age. Intervening with holistic methodologies for orthodontics at an early age can bring about the most profound results for our young patients. Take a closer look at holistic orthodontics below.

What is holistic orthodontics?

Holistic orthodontics looks at more than basic tooth alignment and jaw alignment issues and instead approaches smile alignment in a more comprehensive way. Holistic orthodontics is an approach to orthodontic treatment that considers the entire well-being of the patient, not just their dental health.

Holistic orthodontics may include evaluation of the facial structure, the head and neck, the soft tissues of the mouth, and more. The primary goal with holistic orthodontics is to correct jaw alignment issues in a way that is most likely to yield satisfactory and long-term results because the full facial/jaw structure is involved in making treatment decisions.

What are the benefits of holistic orthodontics?

There are several benefits of holistic orthodontics for patients, some more prominent than others. However, the most noteworthy benefits include:

  • Potentially shorter times wearing braces
  • More long-term smile-alignment adjustments
  • More profound smile alignment results
  • Less likelihood of needing repeat orthodontic treatment in the future

What treatments may be recommended with holistic orthodontic treatment?

Holistic orthodontic treatment often encompasses a comprehensive array of therapeutic modalities to address various dental concerns while considering the patient’s overall well-being. Recommendations may include:

  • Non-invasive orthodontic techniques
  • Implementation of breathing exercises and myofascial therapy
  • Incorporation of holistic dental approaches
  • Utilization of biocompatible materials for dental appliances
  • Integration of facial orthopedics to enhance overall smile alignment
  • Regular monitoring and adjustment to ensure treatment alignment with holistic principles

Talk to a Holistic Orthodontist in Solon, OH 

If you are interested in a more comprehensive approach to orthodontic treatment, look for a holisticorthodontist in Solon, OH. At McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics, we are proud to offer holistic treatment that can bring the most benefit to every patient. Reach out to our office to schedule a consultation to learn more about our treatment processes.

How Your Child’s Facial Growth May Affect Their Dental Health

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Facial growth is a very important part of your child’s development. Surprisingly, your child’sorthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH, may be more instrumental in guiding facial growth than their pediatrician. This is because the shape and structure of the jaw and palate fall under the umbrella of dentistry. They can affect everything from how well your child is able to breathe to the shape of their face. It’s important to seek dental care throughout the childhood years because problems with facial growth are easier to correct in children than they are in adults.

Why Facial Growth Matters

Problems with facial growth may cause many issues as your child grows, including:

  • Narrow palates
  • Breathing disorders
  • Symptoms that mimic hyperactivity
  • Crooked teeth
  • Chronic fatigue

As children with facial growth problems become adults, these issues may become even more serious, resulting in chronic and recurring respiratory problems, sleep apnea, snoring, and chronic bad breath.

How Your Orthodontist Treats Problems with Facial Growth

Your orthodontist has many options for treatment when it comes to correcting your child’s facial growth. These may include palatal expanders, braces, occlusal appliances, and more. However, it’s key to seek treatment as your child is developing, which may begin as your child approaches puberty and moves into their teenage years. Regular visits to a dentist will make early detection possible and make it easier to correct problems before they have a chance to fully develop.

Call McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics Today

For help to correctfacial growth problems in Shaker Heights, OH, call McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics today. Our experienced professionals are ready to sit down with you to discuss your child’s oral health and to suggest options for treatment.

Overcrowded teeth, abnormal dental occlusion. Medically accurate tooth 3D illustration

Common Orthodontic Issues

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Not everyone develops a perfect set of teeth. In fact, few people do. That’s why orthodontia is so important. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with irregularities in your teeth and jaw. This may include crooked teeth, malocclusions, TMJ issues, and more. Yourorthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH, can tell you more about the importance of orthodontic treatment.

Common Orthodontic Complaints

Some of the most common orthodontic issues include the following:

  • Misaligned teeth — teeth are crooked, twisted, or show gaps between
  • Overbite — upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth
  • Under bite — lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth
  • Open bite — upper and lower teeth don’t meet
  • Overcrowded teeth — there are more teeth than room

Each of these conditions comes with its own set of challenges. For instance, an open bite may make it difficult to speak clearly or to enjoy your favorite foods. Similarly, overcrowded teeth make it difficult to brush and floss properly, which can lead to increased tooth decay and cavities.

If you’re struggling with an untreated orthodontic issue, early intervention is best. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist right away.

Orthodontic Help in Shaker Heights, OH

For more information regardingorthodontic solutions in Shaker Heights, OH, contact McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics today. Our experienced professionals are always happy to sit down with patients to discuss their options for treatment. We’ll ensure you understand what needs to be done and what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. You’ll be left with an improved smile and a new, more confident outlook on life. Call today to set up a convenient time to come in for a consultation.

What Is Holistic Orthodontics?

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When you hear the term “holistic orthodontics,” what do you think of? Many people aren’t sure what to expect and really don’t know what the term holistic orthodontics means. At McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics, we practice holistic orthodontics. If you need orthodontic treatment in Shaker Heights, OH, we think you can benefit from this important kind of treatment. Here’s what you need to know about holistic orthodontics and how it can affect you.

What Is Holistic Orthodontics?

As a medical term, the word “holistic” means considering and addressing the whole. When doctors practice holistic medicine, they consider factors in the patient’s environment, mental health, spiritual health, and other factors when they diagnose and treat a patient. Holistic orthodontics is not that different.

Holistic orthodontics is the practice of considering how all the different parts of the mouth relate to each other and how the patient’s goals for their aesthetic appearance and their overall bite structure relate to each other. Considering these factors, the dentist creates a treatment plan that can address both issues at once.

How Is Holistic Orthodontics Different from Conventional Orthodontics?

Traditional orthodontics may only consider one goal at a time and may not consider how the various aspects of tooth orientation and jaw orientation are related. Holistic orthodontics is a complex approach that allows the dentist to meet the patient’s goals and create a healthy bone structure all at once.

At McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics, we’re happy to offer holistic orthodontic services in Shaker Heights, OH. To find out more about how our holistic orthodontic services can help you, call us to make an appointment today.

What is an Orthodontic Appliance?

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If you’ve been working with your orthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH, you may have heard the term orthodontic appliance mentioned in your treatment plan. Orthodontic appliances have been used for decades to help with alignment issues, but some new dental patients have yet to become familiar with the term. Learn what is meant by orthodontic appliance and their importance in orthodontic treatment.

What is an Orthodontic Appliance?

An orthodontic appliance is an umbrella term used to describe any removable device that is worn by a patient to treat or continue treatment for a health-related condition. There are several different kinds of orthodontic appliances available for use by your orthodontist. These can be implemented in the treatment of things such as:

  • crooked teeth
  • gaps in the teeth
  • teeth alignment issues
  • jaw alignment issues
  • sleep apnea
  • excessive snoring
  • and more…

How Are Orthodontic Appliances Made?

Orthodontic appliances are made in dental labs by dental technicians. Many orthodontic appliances are custom-made. In many cases, orthodontic appliances are made using a mold of the dental patient’s teeth. The orthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH, then sends the mold to the dental lab, where the lab technicians create an orthodontic device that is comfortable and fits well inside the mouth.

Types of Orthodontic Appliances

There are several types of orthodontic appliances. For example, you may have heard of Invisalign. Invisalign is actually a system of orthodontic appliances that incrementally moves teeth into correct alignment. These appliances are removable but worn by the patient for a minimum of 21 hours each day. Another kind of oral appliance is a neck-supported appliance that connects to dental braces and helps to treat severe overbites and underbites.

If you need to wear an orthodontic appliance as part of your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH, will let you know. For more information or to ask questions, please contact us today.

How Soon Can an Orthodontist Intervene with My Child’s Teeth?

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The majority of a child’s facial development (60%) is over by the age of six. In fact, it’s the first year and a half of life that’s the most critical, which leads plenty of parents to wonder just how soon they can head off problems simply by being aware of the changes. We’ll look at what can be done and how it might save you and your child a lot of problems down the road if you can work with an expert during the developing years.

Early Intervention

Early orthodontics in Solon, OH, is a type of dentistry that focuses on modifying and improving the facial development process. This may improve a child’s airways and the aesthetic elements of growth. At McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics, children as young as two years old can be evaluated by an expert who can see how their jaw and bite are coming together. The earlier you catch the problem, the more likely it is that the child’s mouth will have enough space for future growth. Their teeth won’t be crowded, and there are fewer odds of an underbite, overbite, or crossbite. No matter how your child’s teeth and face develop, though, the official recommendation is to have all children evaluated sometime before age seven.

Find Early Orthodontics in Shaker Heights, OH

Most parents who spring for costly orthodontics in Shaker Heights, OH would like to know at least that their investment was necessary. If it’s possible to help the teeth reach their proper positions naturally, the McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics staff can tell you more about what to expect. With two locations, we make it easy for parents to take the proper precautions for their kids.

What Kinds of Treatments Will a Holistic Orthodontist Use?

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A holistic orthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH, will look at a person’s health in context with their mouth instead of considering their oral health alone. This is a somewhat less known branch of dentistry, though it’s certainly enjoyed some popularity after people have seen the results. We’ll look at what kinds of treatments you might find if you’re interested in booking an appointment.

Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy relies on your body’s anatomy to strengthen the muscles in your mouth. You may need to do certain types of exercises, such as touching your tongue to your chin or pushing the tongue against a rounded object (e.g., a spoon, etc.).

Expansion

Sometimes, teeth can align on their own if they have enough space. A palatal expansion will use an appliance to widen the jaw, giving teeth more room to adjust. You might need this if you have a crossbite or crowded teeth.

Craniosacral Therapy

This technique focuses on aligning the muscles that connect the head, spine, and pelvis. While this may not sound like orthodontic treatment, the movements can relieve pain or discomfort in the jaw and help align the teeth.

Holistic Orthodontists in Solon, OH

A holistic orthodontist in Solon may not always have the same approach as a traditional orthodontist, but they are no less interested in getting the best results for their patients. If you’re looking for a team that can introduce new techniques that you may be more comfortable with, consider visiting the McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics staff. With two locations, we’re here to make your journey as simple and hassle-free as possible. No matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s clear aligners or just a more comfortable bite, we’ll give you enough information to make the right decisions.