Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating problems related to the alignment of the teeth, jaws, and bite—also known as malocclusions. These issues can affect more than just your smile—they can also impact your overall health and facial development.
At Descanso Smiles: Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our orthodontists complete two to three additional years of advanced training after dental school to treat not just the teeth, but the entire oral-facial system with a whole-health approach.
Why Orthodontic Treatment Matters More Than Ever
As awareness grows around preventive dentistry and fluoride use, children today are experiencing fewer cavities and healthier teeth. At the same time, more families are seeking orthodontic care not just for cosmetic improvements—but to support better breathing, sleep, and overall wellness.
Recent research in sleep medicine and airway-focused orthodontics shows that the way the jaws grow and how teeth fit together can influence a child’s ability to breathe properly—especially during sleep. Crowded teeth, narrow dental arches, or underdeveloped jaws can contribute to mouth breathing, snoring, or even sleep-disordered breathing like pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
Orthodontic care can play a powerful role in supporting a child’s airway development, guiding the growth of the face and jaws to allow for better breathing, more restful sleep, and improved quality of life.
What Is a Malocclusion?
A malocclusion is when the teeth don’t fit together the way they should. This can be inherited, but it’s also influenced by habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use. Premature loss of baby teeth or missing adult teeth can also lead to bite problems and facial imbalance.
Untreated malocclusions can affect not only how a child chews or speaks, but also how they look, breathe, and sleep.
Tailored Treatment Options
We offer a wide range of treatment options—such as traditional braces and clear, removable appliances—to help guide teeth and jaw development in a gentle, age-appropriate way. Our goal is to create healthy, beautiful smiles while supporting long-term wellness.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile and Better Sleep.
Call Descanso Smiles at 818-790-5959 to schedule your personalized orthodontic consultation. Let’s build the foundation for your child’s lifelong health—one smile at a time.
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