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.