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Do Your Kids Need Braces?

August 19th, 2022

The answer to when kids should get braces depends on a number of factors. First, it is important to consult with an orthodontist or dentist to assess whether your child needs braces. If the orthodontist determines that braces are necessary, they will usually recommend starting treatment around age 7 or 8. This is because this is typically when kids have lost their baby teeth and their adult teeth have started to come in.
However, every child is different, and some may need to start earlier or later depending on their individual needs. Ultimately, the decision of when to start treatment should be made in consultation with a qualified orthodontist.
Dr. Donald Fox, a 5 star rated,

Award Winning Orthodontist

 Call for a Free Consultation Today >954-523-6525

surgical orthodontics

July 29th, 2022

For some adults, orthodontic treatment alone cannot fully correct their orthodontic problem. They may also need surgery in combination with orthodontic treatment to achieve a functional, healthy bite. Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, is corrective jaw surgery performed to remedy skeletal problems that affect the ability to bite, chew and speak. Orthodontic treatment is done before and after surgery so that upper and lower teeth meet appropriately, and the individual is able to more effectively bite, chew, and speak.

Who needs surgical orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics may be necessary for someone whose upper and lower jaws, which hold the teeth, are out of position. Consequently, the upper and lower teeth don’t fit, impairing the ability to bite, chew or speak. Your orthodontist will work in conjunction with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to position your jaws and teeth for optimal function.

Why is surgical orthodontics necessary?

Unlike children, adults are no longer growing, so the only way to modify the size or shape of an adult’s jaw bones is through surgery.

What causes the need for surgery?

Sometimes the root cause is genetic – as you were growing, your upper and lower jaws grew out of proportion to each other, and that can keep upper and lower teeth from meeting as they should, making it hard to bite, chew or speak. Other causes can be linked to birth defects or injuries to the jaw or environmental causes.

Which comes first – surgery or orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment usually comes before surgical orthodontics. The purpose is to align teeth so that they fit correctly after surgery is performed. Orthodontic treatment continues for a time after surgery to bring teeth into their final, optimal positions for good function.

Is surgical orthodontics only necessary for jaws that are misaligned?

Surgical orthodontics is generally recommended for adults who have a severe problem with the positions of their teeth and jaws that cannot be corrected by orthodontic treatment alone. Sometimes surgical orthodontics may be needed for those whose jaws are injured in an accident, or to correct a birth defect.

Is surgical orthodontics performed only on adults?

For correction of misaligned jaws and teeth that are the result of a growth problem, surgical orthodontics is performed on patients who have finished growing.

Is orthodontic treatment always required with surgical orthodontics?

Yes.

For additional information, please contact Dr Fox today (954) 741-2323

original article: published by AAO

When Should My Kids Get Braces?

July 22nd, 2022

When Should My Kids Get Braces?

The American Academy of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist for the first time around age seven, when they are evaluated to determine if braces are needed. Those who get their teeth straightened early have better results in less time than those waiting until adulthood.

The reason? It’s all about how much space there is between each tooth and its neighboring structures! The younger you start treatment on this front-the sooner your project will be finished with improved self esteem as welll.

Dr. Donald Fox, a 5 star rated,

Award Winning Orthodontist

 Call for a Free Consultation Today >954-523-6525

Negative Effects of Thumbsucking

July 1st, 2022

Thumbsucking is a common habit among young children, and it can have a variety of effects on their lives. For some children, thumbsucking is simply a phase that they eventually outgrow. However, for others, it can become a lifelong habit.
Thumbsuck Overbite

There are a number of different thumbsucking effects that parents should be aware of. For example, thumbsucking can lead to changes in the alignment of the teeth. In addition, it can also cause the child to develop a lisp or difficulty speaking clearly. Thumbsucking can also have an affect on social interactions, as it can be seen as childish or immature behavior by others. As a result, it is important for parents to be aware of the potential thumbsucking effects so that they can help their child to stop if necessary.

Learn how to stop the habit now >

Dr. Donald Fox, a 5 star rated,

Award WinningOrthodontist

Call for a Free Consultation Today >954-523-6525