Ocala Style Jan'12

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Health Pros Who Know

Orthodontics

Daniel JONES, DMD, MS DR. JONES ORTHODONTICS

Getting braces is a big deal for many families, and it can be difficult for parents to obtain information about who needs them and why. Dr. Jones, however, takes a refreshingly clear and straightforward approach to these questions. We hope you learn as much from his responses as we did! Does my child really need braces? No one has ever died of “crooked teeth,” so from that perspective, few people absolutely must have braces. Children who should have orthodontic treatment are those who: • Have an impacted tooth, which could be damaging the root of the tooth next to it. • Have a jaw growth problem, such as a small (or narrow) upper or

About the PRO

lower jaw. If a problem like this is not addressed in childhood, it may require jaw surgery later. • Have a “crossbite,” which is when a top tooth bites on the side of a bottom tooth instead of on top of it. Th is can contribute to abnormal “wear” or grinding, or it can perpetuate abnormal growth. Other “bad bites” can have a role in certain TMJ pain problems. • Have a missing or extra tooth… which is more common than you might think!

How do I know if my child has one of these problems? Have an orthodontist examine them! Because orthodontic exams are free, this is an easy and important action to take for your child or teenager. Age 7-10 is

Education/Certification: D.M.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham M.S. (Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics), University of Florida Years in Practice: 3

an ideal time for the initial visit, even tough full treatment won’t be recommended until age 12-15. A relatively small percentage of 7-10 year olds need treatment, but sometimes extracting the right baby tooth or placing a simple space maintainer at that age can signifi cantly reduce future problems.

What if my child doesn’t have any jaw problems, bite problems, impacted teeth or missing teeth? Straight teeth are easier to brush and fl oss, but straightening them in that situation would primarily be for “looks.” Th is can be an important consideration, as a good-looking smile can make a signifi cant diff erence in a person’s self-confi dence and social development. Also, remember that if your child is ever going to have orthodontic treatment to get

straight teeth, middle to early high school is the perfect time to do it. It doesn’t get any easier as they get older (as our adult patients will tell you!).

Why are braces so expensive? Straightening teeth to make them look good and bite correctly takes a while (about two years on average). Th e total two-year investment might sound high, but most orthodontists will allow you to make monthly payments as treatment progresses, which makes it much more aff ordable.

DR. JONES ORTHODONTICS LIVE OAK PROFESSIONAL PARK 1500 SE 17th St., Bldg 100, Ocala Mon-Thu 7:30am-5:30pm (352) 351-4405 drjonesortho.com

Organizations/Affiliations: American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists, Florida Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Marion County Dental Association

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