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My child has crooked teeth! What do I do?

By Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar

One of the main causes that parents bring their children in to see us is dental crowding. Crowding occurs when the space available in the mouth is smaller than the size of the tooth coming through. The tooth then comes through in a less than ideal position.

If untreated, teeth are unlikely to move into a good position in the mouth and crowding results. Crowding can not only be an aesthetic issue; crowded teeth are harder to keep clean and can lead to a higher risk of decay in teeth and gum disease. The way the teeth sit in the mouth is affected and the bite can be altered.

What are the causes of dental crowding?

Some of the main causes of dental crowding are genetics and dental habits.

Genetics

We all look like our parents- so if parents have crowded teeth, there is a high chance that children will also have some degree of crowding.

Oral habits

Thumb sucking, using a dummy, mouth breathing, aberrant swallowing patterns are all linked to poor oral structure development. If our jaws don’t grow, the space to house all our teeth is not available and crooked teeth are the result.

Dental crowding before & after results
Before – Crowded Teeth
After – Note the wider jaw achieved with expansion

Is there anything that we can do to treat dental crowding?

At Smile In Style, we take a holistic approach to monitoring your child’s growth. At your child’s routine check up, we assess the general dental health of your child and also check to see that their jaw is developing properly to accommodate all their teeth. If there are problems, then generally, intervention is started around the age of 8.

Treatment would be based on your child’s individual needs to provide optimal results. Braces are not usually required and instead, the treatment is achieved with the use of oral functional appliances that aid with jaw expansion and development.

If you would like more information or to book a consultation with Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar, please call 03 8400 4104 (Moonee Ponds), 03 8001 6021 (Sunbury) or book online at www.smileinstyle.com.au

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodontics with Progressive Orthodontic Seminars (POS) and has done further studies in early orthodontic intervention and treats children as young as 6.
Smile In Style Dental office near Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.