Early Treatment for Children
Better airway, sleep, and jaw growth from a young age
Traditionally, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) has emphasized the importance of evaluating every child by the age of 7 to identify early signs of growth and development issues. However, recent technological advancements and research have significantly enhanced our understanding of the impact of underlying health conditions, including airway, TMJ, and tongue dysfunction, on the development of bite issues in young children. Consequently, the signs of these issues can now be recognized much earlier than the age of 7.
Leveraging this knowledge, Dr. Klingler has a unique opportunity not only to identify early signs of airway and jaw growth issues in young children but also to devise proactive treatment plans aimed at intercepting these concerns before they escalate into more significant health and bite issues as your child grows older. By addressing your child's airway and TMJ issues as soon as they are identified, Dr. Klingler can contribute significantly to your child's overall health, facilitating the proper growth and development of their jaws and teeth.
How to know if your child may need early treatment
The following are common early signs of airway or jaw growth and development issues that can be detected in young children. If you see these with your child at any age, we can help be part of the solution:
Habitually breathing with their mouth open (rather than through their nose)
Trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep through the night
Grinding their teeth at night
Frequent bed-wetting
Dark circles under their eyes
Daytime tiredness or irritability
Trouble maintaining focus throughout the day or ADHD
Excessive sugar cravings
Teeth crowding at a young age (even with baby teeth still present)
Clicking or popping jaw joints
Small upper or lower jaw growth
Asymmetric lower jaw growth
Dr. Klingler often works with other health professionals such as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), sleep physicians, myo-functional therapists, amongst other specialists in an interdisciplinary approach to help your child achieve the optimal health and orthodontic results.
Why Trust Us
Dr. Klingler is an expert in the growth and development of human jaws and teeth. Beyond his dental school education, he pursued advanced studies and obtained a Master of Science degree through full-time, rigorous 2.5-year residency programs, focusing on the intricate study of the dento-facial complex. With a profound commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements, he has dedicated countless hours to continuing education, delving into topics such as airway, TMJ, tongue and muscle functional issues, as well as jaw growth and development. Dr. Klingler remains at the forefront of his field, ensuring that his treatment approaches align with the most current research and philosophies.
Moreover, Dr. Klingler's personal experience as a parent to a young child empowers him with a deep understanding of the concerns and aspirations that accompany parenthood. Through his own life experiences and unwavering dedication to ongoing education, Dr. Klingler embodies the unique blend of expertise and empathy necessary to provide your child with the exceptional care they deserve.
“We love the fact that the Dr’s have always taken a personal interest in our daughter’s treatment and all of her activities outside of the orthodontist. The staff is always welcoming and knowledgeable.”
— Hailey's Dad