Orthodontics: Prevention is better than the Cure

 Orthodontics is by nature a preventive field. The majority of the cases treated by orthodontists involve identifying and treating problems that have not yet developed. This is why children are generally need orthodontic care more than adults. Because children’s teeth and jaws are always growing, it’s possible to harness that natural growth process to create teeth that are better aligned than they otherwise would be.

These are some of the tools used by orthodontists to prevent problems from developing:

Braces
Braces use metal connectors attached to the teeth to gradually create a straighter alignment. Braces are the most prominent orthodontic treatment, but they’re far from the only one. They’re often regarded as one of the most serious forms of orthodontic care, and they’re sometimes used as a last resort when other methods don’t work out.

Space maintainers
When one of a child’s baby teeth falls out, it leaves a space that may not be filled for some time. In some cases, crowding elsewhere in the jaw may cause that space to be filled by teeth that don’t belong there. If you see this happening in your child, see your orthodontist Calgary about implanting a simple device to keep the other teeth from moving into that space.

Thumb sucking appliances
 Thumb and finger sucking are among the top causes for orthodontic problems in young children. These habits can lead to misaligned bites as well as abnormal spacing between the top and bottom teeth. A temporary in-mouth appliance can be installed to assist in breaking the habit.

Retainers
For mild misalignments of the jaw, retainers are used to apply gentle pressure to the teeth when the individual is sleeping. They’re also used subsequent a braces treatment to help make sure the teeth stay where they should be.

Cross-bite appliances
When the back upper teeth fit inside of the lower ones, this is known as a cross-bite. This misalignment can be repaired by using an appliance designed to expand the upper arch of the jaw, which will spread the upper teeth and create a more normal alignment.

Peoples Plan covers orthodontic procedures for the whole family. Start saving early for any possible orthodontics you may incur later in life with Peoples Plan.

Passion for the Gap

Gap teeth, also called a lucky gap, were the surprise trend at last year’s New York fashion week. Models with a gap in their front teeth like Lara Stone and Mick Jagger’s daughter Bianca were in high demand for their unique looks.

A forerunner of the voluntary gap tooth is fashion designer David Delfin. Delfin had a bracket placed between his two front teeth in 2008 after the death of his father and considered it a metaphor of the separation that he was feeling. His spring collection was aptly named “Diastema”, which is the medical term for the space between two teeth. 

As with all fashion trend gap teeth have enjoyed popularity in the past. In the 14^th century women with a gap was considered the pinnacle of beauty.  

Interestingly enough another trend is also influencing the increased number people with gap teeth. A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics found that tongue piercings can cause diastema. “It is a basic tenet of orthodontia that force, over time, moves teeth," explains the study’s lead author, Dr. Sawsan Tabbaa.

On the instruction of her agency Australian model Jessica Hart used despise wearing an insert to disguise het gap teeth on modelling jobs. Now she gets more bookings displaying her natural smile. So there you have it. Love the quirks of your appearance and sooner or later so will the fashion industry.  

Regardless of the trends healthy teeth are always in style. Consider the long term repercussions of your oral hygiene in the long term before making any permanent or potential harmful changes like a piercing to your teeth or mouth. Make provision for your dental care with a Peoples Plan dental plan that will cover the dental care for the whole family.

The Lasting Consequences of Thumb-Sucking

During a child's formative years they are often attached to specific toys, blankets and thumb-sucking. The latter however can become a problem if it continues beyond preschool. 

If a child is still sucking his teeth when his permanent teeth start coming out, serious orthodontic problems can develop. 

As a parent there are a few signs to look out for that will enable one to manage the situation in time. Take note at how the child sucks his thumb. A passive thumb sucker where the thumb is gently resting on the side of the mouth it is not likely to cause permanent damage. Aggressive thumb sucking is something one must look out for. If there are too much pressure on his mouth and teeth may cause problems with proper mouth growth and tooth alignment. Extended sucking affects both the teeth and the shape of the face and may lead to a need for orthodontic treatment in the future.

One needs to take immediate action once the problem has been identified.  It is advised that the child is involved in ending the habit in a supportive and positive way. Progress charts, band aids on the finger and explain to the child what would happen if they continue sucking their teeth are some of the methods that have been proven effective. If you notice your child sucking when he's anxious, work on alleviating his anxiety rather than focusing on the thumb-sucking. 

Regular visits to the dentist will also identify problem early. A dental plan is a good way to build up a nest egg to cover all dental costs for you and the rest of the family.