Frequently Asked Questions

• • • Dr. Friedman's passion is to prevent and treat irregularities in the jaw and misalignment of the teeth that are the result of genetics or caused by a child’s habits. The best way to achieve these goals is to have your child evaluated by no later than age 7, but even as early as age 5. Dr. Friedman is highly trained to notice minute problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth – even while a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth are present. An orthodontic check-up allows for early detection of problems and development of efficient treatment plans.
    • Some of the key signs that an orthodontic problem is present are as follows:
      • • Difficulty chewing and biting
        • Jaws that click, shift or make noise as they move
        • Asymmetry in the face due to disproportionate jaws
        • Finger and thumb sucking
        • Bite misalignment (arches of teeth that do not meet properly)

• Common Orthodontic Problems for Children

  • Children often experience overcrowding, jaw growth irregularities, underbites, overbites, protruding teeth and teeth that are too widely spaced. While some problems are inherited, main causes of acquired  orthodontic irregularities are:

• • • • Medical problems, such as birth defects
      • Habits such as thumb or finger sucking
      • Breathing through the mouth

• • Early orthodontic treatment is beneficial to reduce the amount and duration of later treatment, preventing more complex conditions from occurring. Through early intervention, Dr. Friedman is able to correct habits that lead to acquired irregularities, increase the confidence of the child, guide the growth of the jawbone, and decrease the risk of injury to protruding teeth.

If you have any further questions about when your child should visit the orthodontist, please contact our office at (720) 800-9331.

• Is It Ever Too Late to Get Braces?

  • Most orthodontists agree that it is never too late to get braces. Aside from the pleasing aesthetic of a beautifully straight smile, correcting malocclusion and teeth misalignment with braces is beneficial for a number of other reasons:
  • Reduced Tooth Decay – Misaligned teeth can make maintaining adequate oral hygiene incredibly difficult. Hard-to-reach spaces can become breeding grounds for the oral bacteria that cause tooth decay.
  • Reduced Wear and Tear – Chewing capability is impacted by malocclusion. Improper alignment means that as food is chewed, force is not evenly distributed. This can lead to flattened teeth and wear and tear on dental enamel.
  • Relief of Jaw Pain – Not only does a comfortable bite distribute pressure evenly across teeth, it can also create smooth, pain-free dental function. Patients with malocclusion experience jaw joint disorders (TMJ dysfunction) that create clicking, popping, and discomfort when opening and closing the mouth.

• How Can I Encourage My Child to Stop Thumb or Pacifier Sucking?

  • In many cases, children naturally relinquish the pacifier or thumb over time.  As children grow, they develop new ways to self-soothe, relax, and entertain themselves. When thumb sucking or pacifier use persists past the age of four, a gentle intervention may be required.
  • Here are some helpful suggestions to help encourage the child to cease thumb sucking or pacifier use before seeking orthodontic treatment:
    • Ask the pediatric dentist to speak with the child about stopping.  Often, the message is heard more clearly when delivered by a health professional.
    • Buy an ADA recommended specialized dental appliance to make it difficult for the child to engage in sucking behaviors.
    • Implement a reward system (not a punishment), whereby the child can earn tokens or points towards a desirable reward for not thumb sucking or using a pacifier.
    • Wrap thumbs in soft cloths or mittens at nighttime.
    • Mavala Stop nail polish
  • If the above suggestions do not seem to be working, Dr. Friedman can provide more guidance. Remember: the breaking of a habit takes time, patience, and plenty of encouragement!
  • Orthodontic Thumb-Sucking Correction at West Arvada Orthodontics

• What are Some Common Orthodontic Conditions?

  • Orthodontic irregularities stem from a variety of factors, which can include inherited traits and problems which developed from habits, such as thumb-sucking and tongue thrusting. These irregularities interfere with normal chewing, biting and speaking functions, in addition to negatively impacting the appearance of teeth.
  • Malocclusions (bad bites) can affect the dental and physical health of the patient. Digestive disorders, tooth loss, tooth decay and gum disease have all been correlated with dental misalignment. Fortunately, orthodontic treatments are predictable and incredibly successful. Once a firm diagnosis has been made, your oral health professional can commence effective treatment.
  • Here is a brief overview of some of the most common orthodontic conditions:

• • • Overcrowding
      • Overcrowding occurs when there is limited or no available space for permanent teeth to erupt and align properly. As a result of such crowding, some teeth may twist, become impacted or grow in a crooked manner. The crowding of teeth is also known as a Type I malocclusion. Though overcrowding is generally considered less serious than other types of irregularities, it tends to look unappealing and hinders efforts to thoroughly brush and floss teeth.
    • Overbite
      • An overbite is present when the upper arch of teeth projects further than lower teeth. In a more serious case, the lower teeth are completely overlapped. An overbite is also called anterior overlap, a Class II retrogathism or a deep bite. Signs of an overbite include a protruding upper lip, a gummy smile and the noticeable wearing of front teeth.
    • Underbite
      • An underbite, as the name may indicate, is the reverse of an overbite, where the lower teeth are projected further than the upper teeth. Other names for an underbite include a Class III prognathism and a negative overjet. In many cases, the cause of an underbite is either a short upper jaw bone or an excessively large lower jaw bone. Signs of an underbite include a protruding lower lip and a chin that appears overly large.
    • Crossbite
      • In many cases, an underbite also gives rise to a crossbite. Crossbite is the tilting of the lower teeth in relation to the upper teeth. This causes the upper teeth to hit the lower teeth on the tongue side, as opposed to the outside. Crossbite can also occur alone and cause uneven wear patterns on the teeth.
    • If you have any questions about orthodontic conditions, please contact Dr. Jennifer Friedman at (720) 800-9331.