tongue thrust

What Is Tongue Thrust?

By Rich Carnahan

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…

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kids get braces

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

By Dr. Amy Smith

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…

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kids teeth

Taking Care of Kids’ Teeth

By Dr. Amy Smith

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…

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orthodontic treatment for kids

The Best Orthodontic Treatment for Kids Ages 7-10

By Dr. Amy Smith

Early orthodontic treatment shapes your child’s smile throughout their lives. Also called Phase 1 treatment, early treatment corrects bite issues in kids aged between 7 and 10 who have both baby and adult teeth. At this point, the orthodontist can assess the child’s mouth for subtle tooth and jaw problems. Advantages of Early Orthodontic Correction…

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Learn how you can save money at the orthodontist in Ripley and Parkersburg WV by taking your child early.

Save Money at the Orthodontist by Taking Your Child Early

By Dr. Amy Smith

Parents are well aware of how costs can add up when raising their kids. So it can be easy to brush off the idea of taking your child to the orthodontist earlier than expected. But while you may think it would help you save money by skipping early orthodontics, it’s often less expensive in the…

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Learn how two-phase orthodontic treatment might be good for your child from the best orthodontist in Ripley WV

How Your Child Could Benefit from Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

By Dr. Amy Smith

Most parents know they should take their child to the orthodontist to see if they could benefit from getting braces or Invisalign. But what not many parents realize is the first time their child should go to the orthodontist’s office is around age seven, instead of when they’re a preteen. The reason for this is…

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