A large portion of what Dr. Deal is focused on is guiding the growing face in the right direction. An overwhelming number of children in today’s population develop habits or other limitations that can disturb normal programmed growth. This is why some children develop severe crowding once their permanent teeth are in. Dr. Stephen Deal does not only focus on recognizing these disturbances and educating the patient but also guiding the growth of those who have gotten off track due to these issues. If the growth can get back on track during the prime developing years (6-9) sometimes the need for braces can be avoided all together. If your children have fallen behind and are out of the prime facial development years, no worries, the growth can still be caught up and a proper face and smile is still very achievable.

Some common habits or issues that can cause aberrant or irregular growth in your child’s jaws include: thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, irregular swallowing, grinding, and many others.

Set up a consult today if you have noticed any of the above from your child at home.