Ask Dr. Studebaker: When should my child visit for a consultation?

Many parents ask us that question. Many parents in Spring, Klein, Tomball and The Woodlands also assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. Robert Studebaker for a complimentary consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

Yes - seven.

At that point, enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Studebaker to make a determination about whether any problems are present. Also, by age seven, the first molars have come in, providing an opportunity for the Doctor to check for malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at 281-251-9229 to schedule an appointment that is free of charge.

Happy Friday!

Back to school with Studebaker Orthodontics

Now that many of the schools are back in session, Dr. Studebaker and our staff would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs and sports to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Studebaker Orthodontics. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call at 281-251-9229 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

Have a fantastic weekend - we look forward to seeing you! :)

National Smile Week at Studebaker Orthodontics!

It’s National Smile Week through Friday, and a good time to remind our patients at Studebaker Orthodontics to practice good oral hygiene and keep those pearly whites shining during your treatment! That includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding foods that can stain your teeth such as tea and coffee (and many, many others) and visiting your general dentist here on a regular basis.

And, of course, remember to smile at people you come across, whether you know them or not. We know smiles are contagious, and are always great to both give and receive. In addition, smiling can help you live longer, according to a study conducted earlier this year!

We hope you're having a relaxing and wonderful summer!

Protect your mouth this summer! From Dr. Studebaker

With summer in full swing for another seven weeks, Dr. Studebaker and our staff would like to take this time to remind our young athletes in treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports this summer. Remember, only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you're in for a visit at Studebaker Orthodontics, be sure to ask us for a mouth guard, and we will be happy to provide one for you!

We hope you're enjoying your summer! Let us know what you're up to on our Facebook page!