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TMD/TMJ Disorders in Kids

4/1/2022

Is your child experiencing jaw pain or difficulty opening their mouth? They could have a TMJ problem. It's good to have it checked out by a specialist to see how serious it is and figure out the best course of action. Let's take a look at some of the fundamentals of TMJ issues.

What Are TMD/TMJ Disorders?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ) is a condition that affects the place where the lower jaw meets the skull. If this joint isn't working right, it can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and even opening your mouth wide.

TMJ disorders are common in both adults and children. They can range from mild to very severe, making everyday activities like eating and talking very difficult.

What Causes TMD/TMJ Disorders?
There's no one answer to this question since many different things can cause TMJ disorders. Some of the most common causes include:

Trauma or injury to the jaw
Arthritis or other joint diseases
Misaligned teeth or jaws
Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)
Poor posture

Symptoms of TMD/TMJ Disorders in Children
TMD symptoms in children are similar to those in adults. Typically, when children open and close their mouth, they may report hearing a popping, clicking, or grating sound. Don't be alarmed if they do. It's sometimes common for toddlers to experience a tight jaw or even aching face muscles from time to time. However, you should seek medical treatment immediately if your child develops other symptoms such as:

headaches
dizziness
pain or swelling near the jaw
ear pain
hearing loss
constant ringing in the ears

Recommendation for Parents
Keep an eye out for symptoms. We can also make an appointment with Dr. Hu to figure out what's causing your child's jaw problems. Dr. Hu is a licensed and certified specialist who can assess if your child has a TMJ problem and what treatment options are available.

Contact Us
TMJ problems can cause symptoms similar to sleep apnea, so parents need to be aware of what to watch out for. If not treated, TMJ disorders can lead to more severe health problems.

If you have any questions about TMJ problems and treatment solutions for children, please don't hesitate to contact Smiles of Alaska at (907) 202-9685 or (907) 262-6466.

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Effects of Severe Malocclusion in Children

4/1/2022

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There are many potential effects of severe malocclusion in children. In addition to impacting the child's appearance, severe malocclusion can cause various dental and health problems. Some of the most common problems include difficulty chewing and swallowing, tooth decay, gum disease, and speech problems.

Difficulty Eating
One of the most common effects of severe malocclusion is difficulty eating and swallowing. When the teeth are not correctly aligned, it can be difficult to chew food. This can lead to problems with digestion and even malnutrition.

Tooth Decay
Malocclusion can also lead to tooth decay. When teeth are not correctly aligned, it can be challenging to clean them properly. This leaves them susceptible to decay and gum disease.

Gum Disease
Severe malocclusion can also lead to gum disease. Misalignment of teeth can cause the gums to become swollen and red. This can cause the gums to loosen their grip on the teeth, leading to tooth loss. Exposed gums between teeth are more susceptible to infection.

Speech Problems
In some cases, malocclusion can also lead to speech problems. Misaligned teeth can make it difficult to pronounce certain words correctly. This can be especially noticeable when children are learning to speak.

Seek Treatment Immediately
If left untreated, severe malocclusion can lead to more severe health problems such as breathing difficulties and sleep apnea. Studies have shown that mouth breathing problems, postural issues, future TMJ problems, allergies, and sleep apnea risk can all be related to a child's oral development.

Treatment for severe malocclusion and early intervention can be life-changing for the child's health and well-being.

Call Smiles of Alaska
Dr. Hu offers phase one expansion orthodontic treatment for young children with severe malocclusion and poor airway due to narrow, notably constricted arches. For more information about orthodontic solutions to fit your child's needs, contact us today by calling (907) 202-9685 or (907) 262-6466.

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Orthodontic Solutions for Kids

4/1/2022

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Different appliances are available to assist children of all ages and with various orthodontic issues. Many of these can be worn at night or during the day, depending on their needs.

For children younger than teenage years, especially during mixed dentition, Dr. Hu offers the DNA appliance, the VIVOS appliance system, and Ortho-Tain, even as early as three years old in some cases.

Dr. Hu is certified with Biomodeling Solutions and VIVOS to provide oral appliances for kids and offers diet and nutritional recommendations that are key for craniofacial growth and development.

DNA Appliance
Both adults and children use this line of removable orthodontic appliances throughout the day and night to replace traditional fixed orthodontic appliances. Without surgery, medicines, or injections, the DNA Appliances use painless, natural epigenetic developmental principles to repair and align teeth, promote face development, eliminate TMD difficulties, and improve the upper airway.

VIVOS Appliance System
The upper and lower jaws go through their most crucial growth stages during childhood. Early intervention, diagnosis, and therapy can significantly affect a child's general health and well-being.

The VIVOS system is simple to use; it is a detachable device worn in the evening and while sleeping. The appliance is custom-made to fit the mouth and aid in the proper development of the upper and lower jaws.

Ortho-Tain
Ortho-Tain refers to a complete system of orthodontic aligners and appliances that are pleasant, clear, and custom-designed. Treatment choices come in a series, with different appliances having different objectives to assist children of all ages with various orthodontic issues.

Importance of Early Diagnosis
Giving your children a head start on orthodontic treatment is essential, as problems can worsen with age. In most cases, early diagnosis and intervention will lead to less severe treatment needs and a quicker, more efficient overall outcome. This means fewer problems down the line during adulthood.

Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's orthodontic health, please don't hesitate to contact our office at (907) 202-9685 or (907) 262-6466. We would be happy to answer any questions and provide you with more information on how we can help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

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Do You Have a Bad Bite?

4/1/2022

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Malocclusion, sometimes called a "bad bite," is a condition in which the teeth are not correctly aligned. This can cause several problems, including difficulty chewing, teeth grinding, or even a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. If you think you may have malocclusion, we can set up a consultation with Dr. Hu for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Signs You May Have a Bad Bite
If you're experiencing any of the following problems, you may have malocclusion characterized as a "bad bite":

You're having trouble biting or chewing food.
Your teeth are crooked or uneven.
You're experiencing pain in your jaw or mouth.
Your teeth are grinding against each other when you sleep.

You can correct a bad bite with orthodontic treatment. For mild to moderate malocclusion, our office offers Invisalign treatment options. For attaining a new smile with ultra-thin or no-prep minimally invasive veneers, Dr. Hu also offers this metal-free orthodontic treatment in some cases as early as teenage years. If you lost or are missing retainers, Dr.Hu also offers Vivera Retainers from Aligntech. These options are available both in Anchorage and Soldotna locations.

Consequences of Malocclusion
A few consequences can come along with having a bad bite. First, if your teeth aren't correctly aligned, it can be challenging to clean them properly, making you more prone to decay and gum disease.

Additionally, misaligned teeth can cause wear and tear on your teeth over time, leading to dental problems down the road. Finally, having a bad bite can also lead to pain in your jaw and mouth.

If you're experiencing any of these problems, it's important to seek treatment. Dr. Hu is a trusted dentist in Anchorage and Soldotna who can help you correct your malocclusion and improve your oral health.

Benefits of Invisalign
If your bad bite is causing you problems, Invisalign may be a good option. Invisalign is a transparent aligner system that straightens teeth without using metal braces. Here are some benefits of Invisalign:

Invisalign is discreet – no one will know you're wearing them
They are easy to remove for eating and drinking
They are gentle on your teeth and gums
They are effective in correcting many types of dental problems

Start With Your Smile
If you would like to know more about Invisalign or treatment for TMJ disorders, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We would be happy to answer any of your questions. You can call us at (907) 202-9685 or (907) 262-6466 or email us at office@smilesofalaska.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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TMD/TMJ Disorders in Kids

Effects of Severe Malocclusion in Children

Orthodontic Solutions for Kids

Do You Have a Bad Bite?

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