Many parents are faced with this decision, particularly when their nine year old child declares their teeth or smile does not “look good”. Dr. Malik and myself, Dr. Rose, address these concerns by explaining to the parent that an orthodontic patient presents with two issues. One is the skeletal issue, and the other is the dental issue. The skeletal issue is treated while the patient is growing, and that is while the baby teeth are falling out and the permanent teeth are coming in. The dental component is completed when the permanent teeth have erupted. An example of a facial characteristic that may benefit from early orthodontic treatment would be a lower jaw that appears too far back. This may be evidenced by a large space between the backs of the upper front teeth and the front of the lower teeth. In this situation, the orthodontic treatment is designed to help develop the lower jaw in a more forward position. In order to accomplish this, it is ideal to be treating when the jaws are growing, and that is before all the permanent teeth have erupted. In other cases, a child may be bothered by their dental appearance, and because of psycho-social issues, it is wise to consider limited orthodontic treatment to address that concern. Our office treats many patients in the mixed dentition stage, the period when permanent teeth are erupting while some baby teeth are present. If you are concerned about the dental development of your child, call 281 493-2370 to make an appointment for your child to be examined by Dr. Larry Rose or Dr. Mohni Malik.
Our Blog
Why start orthodontic treatment on a child before all the permanent teeth have erupted?
March 7th, 2012
Dr. Rose & Dr. Malik want to know: Do you know where your mouth guard is?
March 5th, 2012
Spring is almost here, but not before Dr. Rose & Dr. Malik remind all our young athletes in orthodontic treatment to play it safe when out on the field. After all, nearly 60,000 people injure their faces annually while participating in sports activities, and teenagers account for 80 percent of all sports-related trips to the emergency room.
Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists:
1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator
We hope these tips help. Dr. Rose & Dr. Malik will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our Houston office. And remember to stay safe and have fun!
What causes crooked teeth, anyway?
February 27th, 2012
There are several reasons why some people’s teeth grow in crooked, overlapping, or twisted. Some people’s mouths are too small for their teeth, which crowds the teeth and causes them to shift. In other cases, a person’s upper and lower jaws aren’t the same size or are malformed. Most often, crooked teeth are inherited traits just as the color of your eyes or hair. Other causes of crooked teeth are early loss of baby or adult teeth, undue pressure on the teeth and gums, misalignment of jaw after facial injury, or common oral health problems in children such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged use of a bottle or pacifier.
Having crooked teeth isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to serious health problems as well. Crooked teeth can:
• interfere with proper chewing
• make keeping teeth clean more of a challenge, increasing the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis
• strain the teeth, jaws, and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth
There are several orthodontic procedures that can help correct crooked teeth, and at the office of Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik we have many services that we can customize to meet your needs, including traditional metal braces, and Invisalign®, among others. We want you to be proud to show off your smile!
Ask Dr. Rose & Dr. Malik: Are Braces Right For Me?
February 20th, 2012
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore! Regardless of your age, if you’ve always wanted to smile with confidence, but knowing that your teeth were less than perfect held you back, getting braces might be the solution you’ve been looking for. A straight smile can do so much for your self-esteem, and at the office of Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik, we want to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
In addition to the aesthetic benefits of orthodontic treatment, there are many health benefits as well. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean and function more optimally when it comes to eating and speaking.
If you recognize any of these signs in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik.
· Early or late loss of baby teeth
· Difficulty chewing or biting
· Mouth breathing
· Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits
· Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
· Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or are recessed
· Speech difficulty
· Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
· Protruding teeth, teeth that meet in an abnormal way, or teeth that don’t meet at all
· Grinding or clenching of teeth
· Inability to comfortably close lips
Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik will be able to assess your orthodontic needs during your appointment and explain all the wonderful benefits you can expect to receive during your time in braces. We look forward to seeing you or your child for a consultation!
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