Early orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, refers to orthodontic treatment that begins at a young age, often around 7 years old. The goal is to address and correct dental and jaw issues early to prevent more severe problems later.

Signs that your child may need early orthodontic treatment include crooked or crowded teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, and early or late loss of baby teeth. A consultation with an orthodontist can provide a clear assessment.

Benefits include guiding the growth of the jaw to better fit the teeth, improving facial symmetry, reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth, and creating a more effective and less invasive treatment plan for later orthodontic care.

Treatments can include braces, space maintainers, palatal expanders, and other appliances designed to correct jaw alignment and create space for erupting teeth. The specific treatment will depend on your child's individual needs.

Early orthodontic treatment may cause some discomfort, especially when appliances are first placed or adjusted. However, most children adjust quickly, and the discomfort is usually minimal and temporary.

The duration of early orthodontic treatment varies depending on the specific needs of the child. Treatment can last from several months to a couple of years, followed by a period of observation as the child grows.

After early orthodontic treatment, your child will likely enter a monitoring phase where the orthodontist will track the development of their teeth and jaw. Further treatment, such as braces during the teenage years, may still be necessary.

The cost of early orthodontic treatment varies based on the complexity of the case and the specific treatments required. Many orthodontists offer payment plans and accept insurance to help manage the cost.

Following the orthodontist's instructions, maintaining good oral hygiene, and keeping regular appointments are crucial for achieving the best results. Additionally, ensuring your child avoids habits that can interfere with treatment, such as thumb sucking or chewing hard foods, is important.

A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum (the labial frenulum) is too tight or thick, restricting the movement of the lip. This can cause difficulties in feeding, speaking, and dental health.

Signs of a lip tie in infants include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, poor weight gain, and excessive gas. In older children, symptoms may include a gap between the front teeth, difficulty eating certain foods, or speech difficulties.

Untreated lip ties can lead to breastfeeding difficulties, speech problems, dental issues such as tooth decay and gaps between teeth, and difficulties with eating and oral hygiene.

A lip tie is typically diagnosed during a physical examination by a pediatrician, dentist, or lactation consultant. The healthcare provider will examine the frenulum to determine if it is restricting lip movement.

Treatment options for a lip tie include observation if the tie is not causing significant problems, or a frenectomy, which is a simple surgical procedure to release the tight frenulum. This procedure can be done using scissors, a scalpel, or a laser.

A frenectomy is usually a quick and relatively painless procedure, especially when performed on infants. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and the recovery is typically quick, with minimal discomfort.

After the procedure, you may notice immediate improvements in breastfeeding or eating. Some swelling or discomfort is normal, but it should subside quickly. Your healthcare provider will give you specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.

Most children recover quickly from a lip tie release, typically within a few days. Infants may breastfeed better immediately, while older children might take a bit longer to adjust to the changes in their oral structure.

Recurrence of a lip tie is rare but possible if the frenulum reattaches during the healing process. Proper aftercare and exercises recommended by your healthcare provider can help prevent this from happening.

Some children may benefit from speech therapy if they had significant speech issues due to the lip tie. However, many children show improvement in speech as they adjust to the increased mobility of their lip after the procedure.

Myofunctional Therapy is a treatment that focuses on correcting the function of the muscles of the face and mouth. It aims to improve breathing, speaking, and chewing by addressing habits and muscle functions that can affect oral and overall health.

Common signs include difficulty breathing through the nose, speech issues, snoring, teeth grinding, difficulty nursing or bottle-feeding, persistent thumb-sucking, and dental problems like an open bite or misaligned teeth.

Therapy can begin as early as infancy for certain conditions, but most treatments are suitable for children aged 4 and older. Early intervention is often recommended to prevent further complications.

It can address a variety of conditions, including sleep apnea, snoring, tongue thrust, speech difficulties, orthodontic problems, and improper swallowing patterns.

Sessions typically involve exercises and activities designed to improve muscle function in the mouth and face. This can include tongue exercises, breathing techniques, and other activities tailored to your child's specific needs.

The duration of therapy varies depending on the individual needs of the child. Some children may see improvements in a few weeks, while others may require several months of treatment.

While Myofunctional Therapy is often covered by insurance, it depends on the specific policy and provider. Southeast Family Dental is out-of-network but will run most insurance except state plans like Medicaid.

Costs can range from $400 to $7,000 depending on the complexity of the treatment. Southeast Family Dental offers in-house financing options to make the therapy more accessible.

Myofunctional Therapy is generally safe and non-invasive. Some children may experience mild soreness in the muscles of the mouth and face, but there are no significant risks associated with the exercises.

Long-term benefits include improved oral health, better breathing and sleep patterns, enhanced speech, and a reduced need for future orthodontic treatments. It can also positively impact overall health and well-being.