Primary baby teeth are essential for proper chewing and eating: they are the first steps in the digestive system. Primary teeth affect speech development, provide space for the permanent teeth and encourage normal development of the jaw and surrounding muscles.

Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech impairments, tooth loss and other dental injuries. When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse.

Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws, teeth and face. Acquired malocclusions can be caused by trauma (accidents), thumb, finger or extended pacifier sucking, airway obstruction by tonsils and adenoids, dental disease or premature loss of primary (baby) or permanent teeth.

Studies have shown that as people age, their teeth may shift. This variable pattern of gradual shifting, called maturational change, probably slows down after the early 20's, but still continues to a degree throughout life for most people.

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Dental X-Rays
Some patients are concerned about the radiation they receive during their visit. Today most dental x-rays are digital, and the amount of radiation received are very minimal. We experience radiation in the environment every day that is similar to dental x-rays. Do you know the amount of radiation experienced at the dental office is less than one day's exposure to the sun?

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