Your child started out with 20 primary teeth. As they grow and their oral structure has expanded to make room for their eventual complement of 32 permanent teeth.
Sometimes multiple teeth can emerge tightly spaced in one location. As this happens the teeth and their partner’s in your child’s bite pattern can be at increased risk of suffering a chip, fracture, or dental attrition.
In many of these cases, Dr. James Karhohs and the orthodontic specialists at James V. Karhohs, DDS, MS, PC can correct the alignment of your son or daughter’s teeth by installing braces.
In some rare cases, Dr. James Karhohs might recommend extracting one of the overcrowded teeth before the installation. This will help make room to accommodate the correction of the neighboring teeth in the area.
Applying some basic aftercare principles will prevent complications while their gums continue to heal.
Try to remind your child to chew on the other side of your mouth while their gums are healing. It’s also important to note that they should not drink through a straw, as the suction could potentially pull blot clots loose from the extraction site.
Dr. James Karhohs might also provide them with a prescription for pain medication. It will need to be taken as directed and at the appropriate times.
If you are in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area and your child has developed an overcrowding issue with their teeth, you should call 616-784-4300 to schedule a braces consultation with Dr. James Karhohs.
