Orthodontic Options in Snellville, Ga

If your child's teeth are misaligned, it can cause damage to their gums and teeth while also leading to jaw discomfort. A bite analysis determines if the patient has a poor bite or a dental malocclusion. To complete a bite evaluation, board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Adesegun Tewogbade employs innovative technologies to test the potency of your child's teeth and also ascertain how much pressure is exerted by each individual tooth. The analysis will identify if your child has a crossbite, overbite, or underbite. To treat these issues, we offer early intervention orthodontic treatments to guide the development of your child's jaw during growth. A misalignment diagnosis may also make your child a candidate for Invisalign, a series of clear plastic aligners that offer a more discreet solution than traditional metal braces. With Invisalign, your child can gain a new straighter smile. If you are interested in improving the health of your child's smile with a bite analysis followed by orthodontic options, contact our office in Snellville, GA.

Bite Analysis: This treatment is performed to diagnose issues with your child's bite. Dr. T will take a 3D oral scan to check for any abnormalities. If issues with your child's bite are identified, there are different treatment methods based on the intensity of your child's case. 

Early Interceptive Orthodontics: Dr. T can provide early intervention options, such as expanders and fixed or removable orthodontic appliances, for patients who will need braces later. Ideally, we will be able to guide the jaw in the right direction so future orthodontic procedures are less invasive.

Invisalign: With Invisalign, your child's teeth will be straightened using a set of custom aligners rather than metal brackets. If Dr. T determines a patient is a candidate for Invisalign, we will take 3D teeth impressions to custom-create the clear plastic aligners to be worn during the treatment period. When worn over the course of a timeline determined by Dr. T, the patient will gain a healthier and straighter smile.

You may need to consider orthodontic options to treat problems, such as crowding or other disorders that can affect the functionality and aesthetics of your child's mouth. Dr. T can help you make this determination via a bite analysis. The following symptoms may indicate your child is a candidate for orthodontic treatment at First Class Pediatric Dentistry:

• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Painful chewing
• Persistent headaches
• Jaw aches
• Inflamed or stiff jaw muscles
• Gumline recession 

Sometimes, a misaligned bite may lead to teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, which can cause further pain along with a reduction of enamel.

If your child needs a bite analysis, our professional staff will take a 3D oral scan of your child's mouth. This will determine if a dental malocclusion (improper position of resting teeth) or another problem is present. If not handled properly, a poor bite may cause future problems that could be painful or debilitating so it's important to receive a diagnosis. Once we identify issues with your child's bite, Dr. T may recommend orthodontic treatment. If he determines the patient is a candidate for orthodontic treatment, he will design a customized plan, which may include an orthodontic appliance (such as an expander) or Invisalign. Dr. T will review this plan with you and your child before moving forward. Our staff will take any needed dental impressions and review proper care of the orthodontic appliance with you and your child.

It is important that patients wear their expander, retainer, aligners, or other orthodontic appliance as prescribed. Invisalign patients should plan to wear the trays for 20 – 22 hours per day over a timeframe of two weeks or more, as determined by Dr. T. Periodic visits to our office will be needed to switch out the aligners for new sets over the course of the program. For other orthodontic treatments, Dr. T will recommend appropriate follow-up visits to monitor your child's progress and adjust the appliance if needed. It's also wise for your child to continue maintaining a proper at-home dental hygiene regimen, including regular flossing, brushing, and mouthwash. 

It's never too early to seek a bite evaluation for your child. If your child has bite abnormalities or feels pain when speaking or eating, Dr. T can diagnose what could be causing the matter. As a pediatric dentist, Dr. T is specially trained to evaluate the development of your child's teeth during the growing years. He may recommend early interceptive orthodontics or Invisalign to help take care of the issue and prevent more invasive orthodontic procedures later. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, First Class Pediatric Dentistry will collect all of the information required to provide a diagnosis and personalized treatment to give patients healthier smiles as they grow.