Early Treatment for Children

 

Better airway, sleep, and jaw growth from a young age

Traditionally, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) has advocated that every child should be seen by age 7 to evaluate for early signs of growth and development issues. Recent advancements in technology and research have allowed us to understand the role that underlying health conditions, such as airway, TMJ, and tongue dysfunction play in development of bite issues in young, growing kids and the signs of these issues can be recognized much earlier than the age of 7. Utilizing this knowledge, Dr. McDonald has a unique opportunity to not only recognize the signs of airway and jaw growth issues early in life, but to also design treatment plans aimed at intercepting these problems before they manifest into more significant health and bite issues as your child gets older. By treating your child’s airway and TMJ issues as soon as they are recognized, Dr. McDonald can help provide a larger benefit to your child’s overall health as well as aid in proper growth and development of their jaws and teeth.

“We love the fact that the Dr’s have always taken a personal interest in our son’s treatment and all of his activities outside of the orthodontist. The staff is always welcoming and extremely knowledgeable.”

— Cooper's Dad

How to know if your child may need early treatment

The following are common early signs of airway or jaw growth and development issues that can be detected in young children. If you see these with your child at any age, we can help be part of the solution:

  • Habitually breathing with their mouth open (rather than through their nose)

  • Trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep through the night

  • Grinding their teeth at night

  • Frequent bed-wetting

  • Dark circles under their eyes

  • Daytime tiredness or irritability

  • Trouble maintaining focus throughout the day or ADHD

  • Excessive sugar cravings

  • Teeth crowding at a young age (even with baby teeth still present)

  • Clicking or popping jaw joints

  • Small upper or lower jaw growth

  • Asymmetric lower jaw growth

Dr. McDonald often works with other health professionals such as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), sleep physicians, myo-functional therapists, amongst other specialists in an interdisciplinary approach to help your child achieve the optimal health and orthodontic results.

Why Trust Us

Dr. McDonald is an expert in the growth and development of human jaws and teeth. He has continued his education after dental school and earned his Masters of Science degree from full-time, 2.5-year residency programs in the study of the dento-facial complex (teeth and jaw bones). He has attended thousands of hours of continuing education on the topics of airway, TMJ, tongue and muscle functional issues, and jaw growth and development to stay current with the latest research and treatment philosophies. Dr. McDonald is also a leader in the dental community as he lectures internationally on the topics of pediatric TMJ and airway development.

Dr. McDonald has two young children of his own and understands that, as a parent, you want the best for your child. Through his life experience and dedication to education, Dr. McDonald has the expertise and compassion needed to care for your child as if they were his own.