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Visibly crooked teeth are not the only reason to take your child into the orthodontist. There are some subtle things to look for as well, which may indicate the onset of more serious orthodontic issues. Many orthodontic issues are much easier to address if treated and corrected during a child's development.

Waiting until facial development is complete or until the permanent teeth have come in can make correction of many orthodontic issues more challenging. Both children and adults can benefit from orthodontic care at any age, but addressing issues early is almost always the ideal choice.

If you're wondering if you or your child might have need for orthodontic care, there are some things you can be on the lookout for. Here are some of the most common warning signs of orthodontic issues:

• Difficulty when chewing or biting
• Chronic mouth-breathing
• Sucking the thumb, the fingers, or any other oral sucking habits that continue after the age of six
• Overbite - when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by more than 5mm
• Top front teeth that cover more than 25% of the bottom teeth while biting
• Underbite - when the top front teeth go behind the bottom row of teeth when biting
• Crowded, crooked, overlapped, misshapen, misplaced teeth or extra teeth of any size
• Crossbite - when one or more teeth tilt toward the cheek or toward the tongue causing excessive stress on the jawbone
• The center of the top and bottom teeth don't line up
• Uneven teeth-wearing
• Baby teeth coming out too early for the child's age
• Pain in jaws
• Clicking in the jaw joints
• The jaw shifts off-center while chewing or biting
• A jaw that protrudes, or recedes, too much
• Difficulty speaking or enunciating clearly
• Chronic biting of the inner cheek or roof of the mouth
• Asymmetrical facial structure
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth

If you notice that either you or your child has one or more of these conditions, they could be signs that there is a risk of orthodontic or health problems. The sooner these problems are addressed, the wider and brighter you will be able to smile going forward!

Life after braces…what happens when the wires have all been clipped?

You’ve been marking your calendar for days, months even, to celebrate the day when your teeth are free and your new, beautiful and straight smile is finally all yours!

Did you know the time period immediately after having your braces removed is as critical as the entire length of your treatment?  First and foremost, give your mouth time to heal!  Your teeth are going to be weak and may even be a little looser than you are used to.  Most patients are fitted for a retainer at this time.  Your teeth can shift once all the wires and brackets are removed.  It is key to wear the retainer you’ve been fitted for, exactly as your orthodontist tells you.  It takes about nine (9) months for your new smile to “remember” it’s new position.

There are various types of retainers.  If you’re wondering about your life “after braces” contact Dr. Kennell for answers to all your questions.  Remember, wearing your retainer after braces, as instructed, helps to ensure your smile will remain in place for years to come.  You’ve worked hard for it – so SMILE…SMILE BIG…and SMILE OFTEN!

Spring is right around the corner! And that means the start of Spring Sports! Spring months bring an increase in outdoor and indoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you or your child play sports, it's important that you consult our office for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with the office. And don’t forget to ask us about how you can get a mouth guard for yourself.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our office.

Check out this article about a Newport, NH basketball team that has everyone on guard about mouth guards.

As you may have read in our recent blogs, Dr. Kennell is the only orthodontist in New Hampshire that offers HARMONY. HARMONY offers a great new invisible solution for straightening your teeth!

The HARMONY System attaches to the interior side of your teeth, so no one knows you are wearing braces but you. For teens and adults of any age seeking invisible orthodontics, HARMONY offers a solution for even the most challenging cases.

Dr. Kennell and his team have been working with 2 Lakes Region patients, each outfitted with their own custom HARMONY Braces. Take a look at the photos below that show the before and after. We are so excited to offer this new application; we will showcase the progress with patient, Jodie S., as she progresses to the smile she has been after for years.

We last saw Jodie on 1-21-14 and she is in the home stretch!  Only one wire to go and she will be done with her HARMONY treatment! She has had a great experience with HARMONY and hasn’t minded it at all!  Go Jodie!!!

It's never too late to get the smile and confidence you deserve. Ask if HARMONY brackets are right for you! For more information, visit www.myharmonysmile.com or ask us about HARMONY's unique benefits.