A Healthy School Year in Mukilteo Starts with a Healthy Smile
As your kids head back to school, their backpacks aren’t the only thing that needs to be prepared. Their teeth do, too! With new routines, classes, and social activities, it’s easy for dental health to take a backseat. But a healthy smile from the best dentists in Mukilteo is a crucial part of a child’s overall well-being and confidence, helping them succeed in the classroom and beyond.
At our Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists, we’re committed to ensuring children have the best start to the academic year with orthodontic evaluations. Our compassionate team welcomes families from Edmonds, Everett, and Lynnwood. Call (425) 215-0001 to book your appointment!
Meet Dr. Lauren Lewandowski: Your Orthodontic Specialist
At the heart of our practice is Dr. Lauren Lewandowski, a passionate and highly skilled orthodontic specialist. Dr. Lewandowski’s journey to becoming an orthodontist is as unique as the beautiful smiles she creates.
Dr. Lewandowski’s specialized training provides her with a deep understanding of facial growth and development, the biomechanics of tooth movement, and the complex art and science of straightening teeth and aligning jaws. She brings this wealth of knowledge to every patient, ensuring each treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs, whether they are children, teens, or adults.
Orthodontics: More Than Just a Straight Smile
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. While a beautiful smile is a fantastic outcome, the benefits of orthodontic treatment go far beyond aesthetics and help prevent future dental issues. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which significantly reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease. Braces are a traditional method for straightening teeth and correcting bite issues, offering a reliable solution for many patients. For those seeking a more discreet option, Invisalign is a clear, removable aligner that gently guides teeth into place. Clear aligners like Invisalign can be removed for eating and oral hygiene, making them convenient for kids.
For many children, the teenage years are the perfect time for orthodontic treatment. By the age of 12 to 13, most children have lost all of their baby teeth, and their permanent teeth, including the 12-year molars, have erupted. This makes it an ideal stage to address issues while the jaws and facial bones are still growing.
Key Signs Your Child or Teen May Need Orthodontic Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic visit by seven. At this age, a dentist or orthodontist can assess the growth of the jaw and the eruption of permanent teeth, catching potential problems early. This early evaluation is recommended for all children to ensure any issues are addressed promptly.
Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, there could be underlying issues. Here are some of the signs to watch for:
- Crowded or Crooked Teeth: If there isn’t enough space in the jaw for permanent teeth, they may come in crooked, overlapping, or rotated. This not only affects appearance but also makes proper brushing and flossing difficult.
- Gaps Between Teeth: While some spacing is normal with baby teeth, persistent or large gaps in permanent teeth can be a sign that the teeth are too small for the jaw or a result of habits like thumb-sucking.
- Difficulty Chewing or Biting: If your child struggles to bite into food or chews on one side of their mouth, it may be due to a misaligned bite (malocclusion).
- Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing can be a sign of a narrow jaw or other alignment issues that restrict the airway. Addressing this early can improve breathing and sleep quality.
- Jaw Pain or Clicking: If your child complains of frequent jaw pain or a clicking sound, it could be a sign of a bite problem that is putting stress on the jaw joint.
- Protruding Teeth: Teeth that protrude are more prone to injury and can affect a child’s self-esteem.
- Thumb-Sucking: Persistent thumb-sucking beyond age 4 can push teeth out of alignment and affect the roof of the mouth.
Why Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation for Your Child Before School Starts?
Early Detection and Intervention
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age seven. At this age, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing an orthodontist to identify subtle issues with jaw growth, crowding, or bite alignment before they become more severe.
Proactive Planning, Not Reactive Treatment
A pre-school evaluation gives you a proactive plan. You’ll know what to look for and when to expect changes. If immediate treatment isn’t necessary, the orthodontist can simply monitor your child’s development. This is far better than reacting to a problem that surfaces unexpectedly during a busy school week, like a misaligned tooth causing pain or an issue that impacts your child’s ability to eat.
Aligning with a New Routine
The start of the school year is a time of new routines and schedules. By scheduling an evaluation now, you can get a clear understanding of any potential treatment needs and seamlessly integrate appointments into your family’s new rhythm. It’s much easier to plan for a series of appointments when you’re already in a scheduling mindset, rather than trying to fit them in later when everyone is settled into their routine.
Boosting Confidence
Starting a new school year can be a stressful time for children, and a great smile can make a huge difference in their confidence. Addressing any alignment issues early on can help a child feel more self-assured in social situations and in the classroom.
Get a Confident Smile that Lasts a Lifetime with Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists!
Your child’s dental health is a priceless asset that boosts confidence and contributes to healthy adult teeth, and prevents the risk of crowded teeth or pain in your child’s jaw. Don’t wait to address potential orthodontic concerns; early treatment can lead to simpler, faster, and more effective treatment. Early evaluation can lead to simpler, faster, and more effective treatment.
Take the first step towards a beautiful and healthy smile. Call your child’s orthodontist today at (425) 215-0001 to schedule an orthodontic consultation for your child or teen. Our team is here to guide your family from Edmonds, Everett, and Lynnwood on the path to a lifetime of confident smiles.