Do I Need Braces? 5 Easy-to-Read Signs that you Could Benefit from Braces
4.5 million Americans wear braces at some point in their life. It’s no wonder since braces give you a perfectly straight smile. But knowing when it’s time to get braces can be a difficult decision for children and adults. It doesn’t have to be. There are a few surefire ways to tell that you have teeth that […]
What is the Best Age to Get Braces?
‘Metal mouth’ is no longer a viable playground slur. Seriously, the number of people wearing braces in America nearly doubled between 1982 and 2008. And today, apparently 4 million people wear braces in the US. Clearly, they’ve become an accepted and routine part of American life. But certain questions remain unclear, despite their widespread use. […]
How to Know If Your Child Needs Orthodontics
I’m often asked about the best time to have children evaluated for orthodontic treatment. The challenge is that (as we all know!) every kid is different. However, a good milestone is around age seven, when a child’s jaw is developed enough, and he or she has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to tell if […]
Protect Your Kid From a Bad Night’s Sleep
Does your child seem drowsy during the day? Does he or she snore or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? They could have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – a chronic condition where breathing stops periodically during sleep because soft tissue is relaxing and obstructing the airway. These periodic stops can happen as […]
Kids Getting Braces at a Younger Age
Dr. Boyd Whitlock will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early. […]