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Thumb sucking is a common habit among infants and young children and is generally considered normal during the early developmental stages. Most children naturally stop thumb sucking on their own by the age of 4 or 5. However, if the habit persists beyond this age, it can potentially lead to dental issues that may require orthodontic treatment.

Persistent thumb sucking can contribute to the following orthodontic problems:

1. Malocclusion: Thumb sucking can influence the alignment of the teeth and the development of the jaw. Prolonged and intense sucking may result in an open bite, where the front teeth don't meet properly when the mouth is closed.
2. Overbite or Overjet: Thumb sucking may contribute to the development of an overbite (protrusion of upper front teeth over the lower front teeth) or an overjet (protrusion of upper front teeth ahead of the lower front teeth).
3. Changes in Palate Shape: The pressure from the thumb can affect the shape of the palate, leading to a narrower upper jaw.

It's important to note that not all children who suck their thumbs will develop these issues, and the severity of the habit can influence its impact on dental development. Genetics, pacifier use, and other factors also play a role in dental health.

If you are concerned about your child's thumb-sucking habit and its potential impact on their dental development, it's advisable to consult with a pediatric dentist or orthodontist. They can assess your child's oral health, provide guidance on how to address the habit, and monitor dental development over time. Early intervention may be recommended if there are signs of developing orthodontic issues.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment, such as braces, may be necessary to correct dental misalignments that result from prolonged thumb sucking. However, the specific treatment plan will depend on the individual circumstances of each child.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

Dental insurance can help offset the costs of orthodontic treatment, but it's not required in order to start treatment. Whether you need dental insurance for orthodontic treatment depends on your financial situation, the type of orthodontic treatment required, and the available options for coverage.

Here are some considerations:

1. Dental Insurance Coverage: Many dental insurance plans do provide coverage for orthodontic treatment, but the extent of coverage can vary. Some plans cover a percentage of the costs, while others may have a maximum dollar amount or a waiting period before orthodontic benefits become available. It's essential to review the details of your insurance policy to understand the coverage specifics.
2. Out-of-Pocket Costs: Even with dental insurance, there may be out-of-pocket costs associated with orthodontic treatment. This can include copayments, deductibles, and any costs exceeding the maximum coverage limit.
3. Orthodontic Payment Plans: Our orthodontic office offers payment plans to help spread the cost of treatment over time, making orthodontic care more affordable for individuals without insurance or with limited coverage.
4. Discount Plans: Some individuals may opt for dental discount plans rather than traditional insurance. These plans typically involve paying an annual fee to access discounted rates on dental services, including orthodontics, from participating providers.
5. Self-Payment: Some individuals choose to pay for orthodontic treatment entirely out of pocket, especially if the treatment is relatively straightforward or if they don't have dental insurance coverage.

We believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of a healthy, confident smile. Consultations with our office are complimentary! During the initial consultation we will take digital X-rays and pictures for the doctor to review with you. Following the evaluation, consultation, and treatment recommendation, our treatment coordinator will discuss the cost of your treatment and each available payment option, so you can determine the best fit for your budget. Many discounts are available to patients who serve in the military, teach, are first responders, or work in the medical field. We’re in-network with most insurances and have a refer-a-friend program. We will help you utilize your flexible spending account to the fullest, and we accept CareCredit.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

The good news is that orthodontic treatment during pregnancy is generally safe. In fact, it might even be the perfect timing for you. If you wait until after your baby is born, it may be harder to commit to the appointments and fit them into your new schedule. There are some important considerations to keep in mind.

1. Consult with your healthcare provider: Before starting any orthodontic treatment during pregnancy, consult with your obstetrician or midwife. They can provide guidance and assess your individual health and pregnancy status to ensure it's safe for you.

2. Timing: Pregnancy is a critical time for your baby's development, and minimizing potential stressors is important. If your orthodontic treatment plan involves more invasive procedures like oral surgery, you may want to wait until after your baby is born. However, waiting until after delivery might make it harder to commit to the appointments and fit them into your new schedule.

3. X-rays: X-rays are commonly used in orthodontic treatment planning. It's important to minimize exposure to ionizing radiation during pregnancy. If X-rays are necessary, inform your orthodontist about your pregnancy, and they can take steps to minimize radiation exposure, such as using lead aprons and thyroid collars.

4. Morning sickness: Morning sickness often subsides after the first trimester. If morning sickness causes you to vomit daily, you may want to wait until it subsides to start treatment.

5. Oral hygiene: Pregnancy can increase the risk of gum problems and dental issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy is crucial. If you choose to have orthodontic treatment, be diligent about brushing and flossing to prevent complications.

Ultimately, the decision to start orthodontic treatment during pregnancy should be made in consultation with your healthcare providers. They can help you evaluate the potential risks and benefits based on your individual circumstances.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation between the age of 7 and 8. This may seem early, but it allows orthodontists to identify and address potential orthodontic issues while a child's mouth and jaw are still growing.

Children typically begin to lose their baby teeth, also known as primary teeth or deciduous teeth, around the age of 6. This process continues through their early teenage years, and by the time they reach adolescence, most children will have lost all of their baby teeth and replaced them with permanent adult teeth. However, the exact timing can vary from child to child.

The order in which children lose their baby teeth can also differ, but generally the teeth fall out in the same order that they arrived:

• Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) are usually the first to be lost, typically around 6 to 7 years of age.
• Upper central incisors (top front teeth) are next, often lost between 7 and 8 years of age.
• Lateral incisors (the teeth adjacent to the central incisors) follow, typically around 7 to 8 years old.
• First molars (the large back teeth) are usually lost between 9 and 11 years of age.
• Canine teeth (the pointed teeth next to the lateral incisors) are lost around 9 to 12 years of age.
• Second molars (the last set of molars in the back of the mouth) are the last to go, typically between 10 and 12 years old.

It's important to note that these ages are general guidelines, and there can be considerable variation among individual children. Some children may start losing teeth earlier or later than the average, and that's perfectly normal. Typically, by age 7 many of the permanent teeth have come in, and orthodontists can evaluate the alignment of the teeth and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Early intervention may be recommended if significant issues are identified, or the orthodontist may recommend periodic check-ups to monitor your child's growth and development, with treatment starting at a later age when it's most effective.

Not all children will need orthodontic treatment, and the decision to pursue it should be made in consultation with an orthodontist who can assess your child's specific situation with a physical exam and a full set of x-rays.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists contact us online or call 302-678-3000.