Patient question for Dr. Green: When should my kid come in for a visit?

Many parents in Columbia assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Green Orthodontics for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

All right, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Green to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Early evaluation by Dr. Green, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Green Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Ask Dr. Green: What can I expect during my consultation?

That's a great question! When you first come in for your consultation at Green Orthodontics, we will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you. Then, at your next appointment, Dr. Green will discuss your orthodontic options with you.

Our staff feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Dr. Green can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment. If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, we ask that both you and your child attend the consultation. Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Teeth grinding and the economy, from Green Orthodontics

If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, and especially recently. A recent study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine in March suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

Our staff at Green Orthodontics will tell you the first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Dr. Green and our team at Green Orthodontics can help determine the cause of the problem. We look forward to hearing from you.

Breaking down the myths and facts of orthodontics with Dr. Green

Believe us when we say Dr. Green knows there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, Dr. Green and our team think you should get the facts! Recently, we came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We definitely encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Green Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call at 803.787.1601.

This April, play it safe! From Green Orthodontics

April is upon us, and for Dr. Nettles Green and our team at Green Orthodontics, that only means one thing: it’s once again time to remind our dear patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. April is National Facial Protection Month. During this time Dr. Green and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field.

We thought we'd pass along a few tips to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact the staff at Green Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!