Keep a nice family smile this year. Here are 3 tips that will help you not to neglect your smile and the smile of those you love the most.
1. Take your child before age 7 to an orthodontist for his or her first checkup.
Do not wait for a referral from a dentist.
They may not be evaluating your child’s bite, and your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to assess whether a problem exists or is developing.
Most orthodontists take a panoramic x-ray and photos to evaluate any concerns or possible problems with the permanent teeth, and prepare your child’s mouth for future extra teeth, missing teeth or teeth that come in in the wrong positions.
There are three possibilities for the outcome of a first visit.
1) Treatment is not expected to be necessary.
2) Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically as the face and jaws continue to grow.
3) There’s a problem that lends itself to early treatment, and you’re in the right place to start!
2. Retainers: if you have one, use it.
Set a good example for your children and make retainers part of their oral hygiene routine. Whether you are 10, 30 or 50 years old, it is important to continue wearing your retainer after treatment.
You brush your teeth all your life and you must wear your retainer all your life.
Changes in the position of your teeth occur naturally throughout your life, so make sure your teeth remain firm after treatment.
If your retainer no longer fits, it is likely that your teeth have changed, which brings us to point three.
3. Get a closer look. Consult an orthodontist.
Whether you’ve never had orthodontic treatment, or if you think you need a touch-up of what you’ve had done, stop in and see how an orthodontist can improve your smile.
What are you waiting for?
Request an orthodontic checkup today.
