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Everyone wants a naturally aligned and beautiful smile, and it is no secret that orthodontic braces from Chan & Chen Orthodontics can help deliver one. However, there are greater benefits to wearing braces than just having straight teeth. You’ll gain many oral health benefits in addition to the cosmetic ones.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Crooked or crowded teeth may overlap each other and create tight spaces in between. These can make it very difficult to brush and floss effectively, allowing bacteria and plaque to build up, and eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. With orthodontic treatment, your teeth will become properly aligned and spaced, which allows for more effective brushing.

Difficulties with Speech

Your teeth play an essential role in speech. When they are out of line or lean too far forward or backward, this can affect your speaking patterns, and possibly cause embarrassment and frustration. Braces can readjust the positioning of the teeth to allow for clearer, more professional speech.

Bone Erosion

Bone and gum tissues begin to erode when there are no teeth to support. This is also true for poorly aligned teeth that leave gaps and spaces or place too much pressure on the jawbone due to a bad bite. With braces, the bones and tissues are less likely to erode and can continue to support the teeth in their new alignment.

Digestion

Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before food ever enters your stomach, it has been partially digested by the teeth. If teeth are severely out of line, however, they may not play their role in breaking down food as effectively as they should. With braces, your teeth will be straightened into optimal alignment for eating and chewing.

Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen and staff will be happy to answer any of your questions about your orthodontic treatment. Visit us in Andover today!

Perhaps you are already planning for the years when your teenager will need orthodontic work. But hearing that your seven-year-old would benefit from orthodontic treatment? That might come as a complete surprise! It’s a recommendation with real benefits, though—early intervention can save children from tooth and bite problems now, and even simplify their future orthodontic care.

Treating young children for orthodontic problems is called “interceptive orthodontics.” When the permanent teeth start arriving, there might be problems with spacing, bite or protruding teeth. Often, treatment while the bones are still growing is the best way to prevent more serious problems later.

We recommend that your child have an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen around the age of seven. This exam is especially important for children who may have been thumb suckers or used a pacifier after the age of three, or if you notice obvious teeth, speech or bite issues.

• Crowding and Spacing Issues

Teeth are arranged in two crescent shapes called arches. When the arch of your child’s mouth is small, the permanent teeth can become very crowded as they erupt. Formerly, teeth were removed to make more room. Now, early use of a palatal expander can enlarge the upper dental arch in order to help the permanent teeth come in without crowding. The need for future tooth extraction is reduced, and there is a better chance for correct spacing and alignment with early treatment.

On the other hand, when a child loses a tooth too soon, too much space left between baby teeth can also be a problem. The remaining teeth can shift, leaving the wrong place open for the adult tooth to come in. We might recommend a space maintainer so that there is no shifting of the teeth and there is room for the proper adult tooth to erupt in its proper spot.

• Malocclusions (Bite Problems)

Some malocclusions, like a crossbite, can be caused by problems with jaw and facial structure. Again, we might recommend a palatal expander to help the upper arch of the teeth to fit properly with the lower jaw. Problems with overbite, open bite and other bite issues can also be addressed at this age if necessary. Early care can discourage TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, reduce speech problems, and improve facial symmetry. 

• Protruding Front Teeth

Teeth that protrude are much more likely to be damaged when playing or after a fall. Methods such as braces or appliances can reposition them and protect them from breaking or fracturing.

Many children will not need early intervention, and many can wait until they are older for orthodontic work. But if your young child has orthodontic problems that should be addressed, early intervention can do more than set the stage for successful orthodontics in the teen years. Talk to our Andover team about what we can do for your child. Interceptive orthodontics can protect teeth, guide jaw and speech development, modify harmful oral habits and help to adjust bite problems before they become serious—when it comes to your child’s dental health, the best solutions are early ones!

This month we are talking about all thing’s orthodontic health. Your orthodontic health plays a crucial role in maintaining overall oral health. Well-aligned teeth make it easier to clean your mouth effectively and maintain your oral health. And not only will good oral health enhance your appearance, but it will also enhance the functionality of your teeth. 

Starting your orthodontic journey at the right time is important. An initial visit is recommended at the age of seven to screen for any issues that might need early intervention. While most kids won't require treatment at this age, establishing a baseline is beneficial. But orthodontic treatment has no age limit as long as your gums and bone are healthy, making it accessible for children and adults alike.

For those that may not have started their orthodontic treatment, here’s a quick look at what to expect. Maintaining your orthodontic oral health routine is like a regular dental routine but requires more diligence. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can make it more challenging to keep your teeth clean, so it’s crucial to be diligent with your brushing and flossing.

Brush and floss regularly—brush your teeth and tongue, spending at least two minutes each time. Floss at least once a day with dental floss. And if you are using a Waterpik or water flosser, they do not replace traditional flossing, but they are better than not flossing at all.

With Halloween right around the corner, those undergoing orthodontic treatment should avoid sticky, chewy, or gooey candies, as well as anything hard or crunchy. Opt for treats that melt in your mouth, like chocolate, but remember to brush and floss afterward.

Lastly, don't miss out on our fun promotion this month—come guess the weight of our pumpkin patch! It's a great way to engage with our practice and enjoy some festive fun

How better to spend the fall months than inside by the fireplace with a warm cup of cider and a book in hand? Dr. Kathleen Chan and Dr. Ivy Chen and our team at Chan & Chen Orthodontics encourage you to warm up your mind this fall season with a few great books. Sure it may be easy to put off reading when balancing a hectic schedule, but reading is vital to brain development. Besides, reading is always a blast!

This week, we thought we’d ask what you or your child are reading this fall. Do you have any suggestions for must-read books this year? Out of ideas for great fall reads? Ask us for suggestions, and we would be happy to provide a few. You may also ask a local librarian here in Andover for some ideas.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your fall picks or your all-time favorites below or on our Facebook page!