What is Malocclusions & Why Should it be Treated?

The term malocclusion, founded by Edward Angle "the father of modern orthodontics", is a misalignment of teeth or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches.Correction of malocclusion may reduce risk of tooth decay and help relieve excessive pressure on the temporomandibular joint. 

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.

When Should Dental Care Start?

Proper dental care begins even before a baby's first tooth appears. Remember that just because you can't see the teeth doesn't mean they aren't there. Teeth actually begin to form in the second trimester of pregnancy. At birth your baby has 20 primary teeth, some of which are fully developed in the jaw.

Running a damp washcloth over your baby's gums following feedings can prevent buildup of damaging bacteria. Once your child has a few teeth showing, you can brush them with a soft child's toothbrush or rub them with gauze at the end of the day.

Even babies can have problems with dental decay when parents do not practice good feeding habits. Putting a baby to sleep with a bottle in his or her mouth may be convenient in the short term — but it can harm the baby's teeth. When the sugars from juice or milk remain on a baby's teeth for hours, they may eat away at the enamel, creating a condition known as bottle mouth. Pocked, pitted, or discolored front teeth are signs of bottle mouth. Severe cases result in cavities and the need to pull all the front teeth until the permanent ones grow in.

Parents and childcare providers should help young kids set specific times for drinking each day because sucking on a bottle throughout the day can be equally damaging to young teeth.

Demarco & Tilkin Review

 "Thanks for a great Smile!!"

Demarco & Tilkin Reviews

"Although my kids would have preferred to not wear braces they always felt good about coming to this office. Everyone is always very kid friendly and very sympathetic to anxious children. Thanks for always doing such a great job!'

"Drs. DeMarco and Tilkin are wonderful. They go above and beyond to make sure patients are happy with their treatment. I didn't want braces so I began invisalign last year even though I knew there would be limitation and compromises in my results. The doctors were right - they said that as my teeth got straighter I would want more. They were kind enough to order more Invisalign trays and even placed partial braces at no additional charge to finish with a perfect result."

"Very friendly, warm greeting - very quick."

"Thank you for giving all of our five children wonderful smiles! It had been wonderful working with you all. Your staff is just great."

"We love the office, staff, environment, etc. Everyone is so very nice!"

"Makes it much more pleasant to come to appts when the staff and doctors are as wonderful as Dr. DeMarco + Dr. Tilkin's practice!!"

"Your service is very good and the doctors are really nice to me. It is definitely better than any orthadonist I have been to before!!! =)"

"Thank you for hiring such competent and pleasant office staff. Also the whole facility is open, clean, well-lit, no complaints at all."

"This entire experience has been professional, courteous and expert. I will highly recommend this practice to others."

"Our two daughters have been seen by your wonderful, caring, sensitive, professional and dedicated dentists and doctors. We have never had a single negative problem or issue. DeMarco and Tilkin personally saw our youngest daughter at another office even when their own office were being remodeled. That is true passion for their work and patients."