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kids teeth Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

Taking Care of Kids’ Teeth

Taking care of kids’ teeth seems straightforward enough, but it can easily get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life. There are also facets of tooth care for your child that you may not be aware of. For example, the importance of early orthodontic treatment.  Early treatment catches tooth problems that might be difficult and expensive to correct

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kids get braces Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

Should My Kid Get Braces in Middle School or High School?

The timing for orthodontic treatment is different for everyone, and what one kid may feel comfortable with another might not. There are several things to take into account when going over braces options for your child, and including them in the conversation is key.  Developmentally speaking, most experts advise kids to stop by the orthodontist around age seven.

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tongue thrust Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

What Is Tongue Thrust?

Tongue thrust occurs in babies who are bottle-fed or breast-fed. In infants, tongue thrust is totally normal. As the baby grows, their swallowing and speaking patterns change, and ideally they will stop tongue thrusting. However, sometimes this habit lingers, often due to prolonged use of a bottle or pacifier, allergies accompanied by swollen tonsils, or if the band

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Learn why your child might need an expander before getting braces in Ripley or Parkersburg WV

Why Does My Child Need an Expander?

When you bring your child into our orthodontic office to discuss potential early phase orthodontic treatment options, you may end up hearing your child needs a palatal expander. Not every child who undergoes early orthodontics will need one, but it could be beneficial in certain cases. Expander for Teeth A palatal expander is a small device that gets

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What Is the Best Way to Close a Tooth Gap? Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

What Is the Best Way to Close a Tooth Gap?

Your smile is the first thing people notice about you, so you want your teeth to be healthy and straight. This kind of smile often doesn’t come naturally—many people have gaps in their teeth that won’t go away on their own. So what is the best way to close a tooth gap? Keep reading to learn more about

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kids with braces at the same time Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

Should My Kids Get Braces at the Same Time?

When it’s time for your kids to get braces, you’ll likely have many questions about their dual treatment: “Should my kids get braces at the same time?” “What are the pros and cons of each method of treatment?” Keep reading below to decide if having your kids get braces at the same time is right for your family. 

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see the orthodontist Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

How Often Do I Have to See the Orthodontist and Why?

When you are first beginning orthodontic treatment, you may wonder how often you or your child will need to see the orthodontist. The short answer is it depends upon a variety of factors, including your specific orthodontic treatment plan. This article will cover how frequently you should see the orthodontist if you are an established client wearing traditional

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open bite

What Is an Open Bite?

One common dental condition requiring orthodontic treatment is an open bite. An open bite means your top and bottom teeth do not touch when your jaw is fully shut, leaving a space or gap between them. Left untreated, open bites get worse over time and can cause several painful issues, including headaches and earaches, wear and tear on

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get your kid to floss Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV.

How to Get Your Kid to Floss

As a parent, you have many responsibilities, including helping your kids learn proper oral hygiene. As a part of their oral hygiene routine, kids have to learn how to brush and floss their teeth properly. However, this can be a challenge because, just like many other responsibilities, kids can be resistant to adopting a consistent routine.  If you

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