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

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

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

Key Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy can change how jaw, face, and mouth muscles interact with one another. The more functional they are, the easier it is to breathe, chew, and speak. We’ll look at why it’s used to treat multiple conditions and its main benefits.

Key Benefits

If you’re asked to take part in myofunctional therapy in Solon, OH, it may be for any of the following reasons:

  • Apnea: The tighter the airway is, the more likely you are to have problems with snoring or obstructions while asleep. Myofunctional therapy widens the airway so everyone can breathe at night.
  • Speech: If the tongue is too low or it’s pushed up against the teeth, it can disrupt a person’s speech patterns. In addition to widening the airway for clearer annunciation, myofunctional therapy can be used to help people improve their patterns.
  • Grinding: For those who grind their teeth at night, myofunctional therapy can create more space in the mouth, thus cutting back on grinding (and the pain that stems from it).
  • TMJ: Improving the muscles of the face can help shift the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. This can reduce the discomfort of temporomandibular joint disorder.
  • Misalignment: Bringing the upper and lower jaw back into alignment can correct problems and prevent malocclusions.

The best part is that this therapy has the ability to correct multiple issues at the same time.

Find an Orthodontist in Shaker Heights

At McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics, we can tell you that myofunctional therapy has made a real difference in our patient’s lives. With locations in Shaker Heights and Solon, OH, you can find an orthopedist who can tell you more about what your conditions are and whether this treatment will be able to correct the problems.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Myofunctional Therapy Answered

Has your dentist in Shaker Heights, OH, recommended myofunctional therapy for you? If so, you may have some questions first.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Myofunctional Therapy Answered

1. What is myofunctional therapy used for?

Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises to train the muscles around your mouth, tongue, and face. Performing myofunctional therapy is designed to improve your eating, talking, and breathing issues.

2. What is an example of myofunctional therapy?

A good example of myofunctional therapy in Shaker Heights, OH, is the tongue push-up. This involves positioning the tip of your tongue behind your top teeth and against the roof of your mouth. You then simply push up your tongue and hold it there for five seconds. This exercise needs to be repeated 10 times. Your dentist will also review other available myofunctional treatment options with you.

3. How long does it take to see results from myofunctional therapy?

How long it takes to see myofunctional therapy results will vary from person to person. However, most people experience a noticeable difference after 12 weeks, more pronounced changes after two to three months, and significant changes after six months.

4. Who is a candidate for myofunctional therapy?

Children ages six and older who have snoring issues, obstructive sleep apneas that is caused by mouth breathing, or have misaligned teeth or jaws are ideal candidates for myofunctional therapy. Myofunctional therapy helps children avoid many future risks such as delayed speech and tooth decay. Adults with bruxism, sleep apnea, or other related conditions could also benefit from myofunctional therapy.

Do You Need a Dentist in Shaker Heights, OH?

If you need a dentist in Shaker Heights, OH, please Contact McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics today. We use the most modern techniques and technology available in a warm and welcoming environment. And our patients love that our wait times only average about five minutes.

Common Orthodontic Treatments for Adolescents

An adolescent can be defined as anyone between the ages of 10 and 19. This is a wide range of years during which many dental changes commonly occur. For example, this may be when wisdom teeth make their first appearance, when your child’s teeth begin to crowd, or when other things happen to your child’s dental health that requires intervention. Your child’s orthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH, may become your family’s best friend during these trying, adolescent years.

Common Orthodontic Problems During Adolescence

Most children have lost all their baby teeth by the ages of 11 through 13. That’s why these years may be especially busy for your orthodontist. Keeping permanent teeth from crowding, twisting, or developing gaps is important because these are the teeth your child will have for the rest of their life. Common orthodontic issues for adolescents include:

  • Misaligned teeth
  • Impacted teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Tooth crowding

These can all be corrected through early intervention and routine orthodontic care.

Treatment Options for Orthodontic Problems in Teens

Many of the issues your child will face during these years can be fixed by orthodontic appliances, such as braces, aligners, retainers, palatal expanders, or mouthguards. Your child’s orthodontist will examine their mouth and perform diagnostic tests such as X-rays, to determine which treatments will be most effective. At this time, they may recommend treatment options such as simple surgery to remove impacted wisdom teeth, orthodontic appliances to straighten teeth, or airway orthodontics that help your child breathe more easily.

Orthodontic Treatment in Shaker Heights, OH

For orthodontic treatment for your adolescent in Shaker Heights, OH, call McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics today. We’re happy to schedule a time for your child to come in for a comprehensive exam.

Sources

https://www.who.int/health-topics/adolescent-health#tab=tab_1

What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Dental-related problems often begin developing early on. Early intervention may prevent these problems from becoming more serious, which could necessitate more complex treatment later in life. Early orthodontic is a measure to diagnose and treat such conditions in children. Early orthodontic treatment in Shaker Heights, OH, is available at McGuire Orthodontics.

Understanding Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment is a preventative treatment offered by your orthodontist. It’s a good idea to bring your child in for an evaluation at around age two. That way, potential problems with airway and facial growth related to dental health may be spotted and corrected.

Parents can be alert for possible issues with teeth, alignment and jaw issues, too. If you see one or more of the following things happening, contact your orthodontic for an evaluation:

  • Difficulties with chewing or drinking
  • Teeth coming in crooked
  • Reluctance to give up the pacifier
  • Delay in the eruption of permanent teeth
  • Persistent finger or thumb sucking

What Early Orthodontic Treatment Entails

When you bring your child in for an early orthodontic evaluation, your orthodontist will conduct a thorough dental exam. This is a great opportunity to bring up any dental-related concerns you may have and to get questions answered.

If your orthodontist finds indications that problems may be developing, then appropriate treatment options will be considered based on the situation as well as your child’s age.

It’s important to know that even if your orthodontist does see something of concern, this doesn’t mean that your child will need orthodontics when they get older. This is the point of early orthodontic treatment; to prevent the need for more complex interventions later on.

If you would like an early orthodontic treatment consultation with your orthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH, contact us today to book your appointment. It will be worth a small investment to help ensure the proper development of your child’s oral health.