Articles

While the common view is that children should wait to get braces until all their baby teeth have been replaced (around age 12), having an orthodontic assessment much earlier is highly recommended – for your child's wellbeing and your hip pocket!

You’ve just found out your child needs orthodontic treatment – and braces are looking like the most likely scenario. Depending on the age of your child and the underlying problem, there may be other options that are not only less invasive, but considerably cheaper!

Malocclusion (crooked teeth and “bad bites”) can happen for a number of reasons and usually requires orthodontic treatment to correct. Here's why...

Size, shape and position affects how well teeth fit onto the foundation of the jaw. If you mouth breathe, your tongue won’t spend enough time where it belongs – in the roof of your mouth.

Unlike adults, who become tired with inadequate rest, children tend to experience hyperactivity when sleep is disrupted. Symptoms of sleep apnoea may be misdiagnosed as ADHD or Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

The tongue is an extremely important muscle. Untreated, tongue tie or "ankyloglossia" can result in speech problems and restrict proper mouth development.

Orofacial Myology is the the identification and treatment of myofunctional disorders where the face, tongue, and jaw muscles are not functioning as intended.

From the osteopathic point of view, any dental issue has implications for the whole body, as the teeth are an important part of the body structure.

Healthy children should not snore. Unless they have a cold, it indicates that the airway is partially obstructed, which can cause health issues later in life.

It is possible they may have bruxism, a habit that occurs mainly during sleep and where a child will clench or grind their teeth together.

Young children often suck their thumb or fingers for comfort, but if the habit persists after primary teeth have erupted it can cause significant problems.

If you’re constantly tired, finding it hard to concentrate, or snoring regularly – don't ignore it! You may be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Most dental problems can be avoided with regular dental check-ups and cleans as well as proper flossing and brushing.