For most children, October means one thing: Halloween candy!  For orthodontists, it’s a month for embracing a beautiful, healthy smile in honor of National Orthodontic Health Month. The American Association of Orthodontist as well as the American Dental Association agree that a child should have an orthodontic consultation no later than age 7.

“A visit to the orthodontist can ease a parent’s mind, ” notes Dr. Park.  “Our recommendation may simply be ‘let’s wait and see’ while the face and jaws continue to grow.”

Some of the more readily apparent conditions that indicate the need for an examination include:

·         early or late loss of baby teeth

·         difficulty in chewing or biting

·         mouth breathing

·         thumb sucking

·         crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth

·         jaws that shift or make sounds

·         speech difficulties

·         biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth

·         teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all

·         facial imbalance

·         jaws that are too far forward or back

·         grinding or clenching of the teeth

Dr. Park is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization.  It represents more than 18,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.  The Association admits only orthodontists for membership.  It encourages and sponsors key research to enable members to provide patients with the highest quality of care, and is committed to educating the public about the need for, and benefits of, orthodontic treatment. 

If you have questions or concerns about your orthodontic health, contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation and see what we can do to help you!