Your Child Has a Crossbite, Now What? | Henderson Dentist

girl with missing teeth

Learning that your child may have a crossbite can be an intimidating moment. A crossbite can seriously impact one’s quality of life, and treatments can seem scary. Yet, questions like “How soon should a crossbite be addressed” and “What means of intervention might we take” are better addressed sooner than later.

What does it mean to have a crossbite?

Simply put, a crossbite is when your upper and lower jaws do not align properly. Your upper jaw may rest to the right or left of your lower jaw, causing an improper alignment. This can cause a variety of issues such as grinding down your teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder, inability to chew effectively, facial asymmetry, uneven jaw development, and biting your cheek or tongue frequently.

What to do about a crossbite

Opinions are divided about when to begin treatment for a crossbite, some suggesting at the time of diagnosis (for a child, this could mean around the age of three), while others want to wait until a child’s molars arrive (commonly around the age of six). No matter when you decide to begin treatment, dentists and orthodontists alike agree a cross bit should not be left untreated for the reasons mentioned above.

Treatment options

Depending on the kind of crossbite, and how severe the misalignment is, its likely treatment will involve dental appliances that work to correct the bite pattern. This can be in the form of braces, sagittal expanders, and retainers that all work to correct the alignment over time. These methods are commonly employed when the entire alignment is off. If misalignment is being caused by a single tooth, it is more likely that a dental face mask, clear aligners, or braces are employed.

While crossbites are not very common, they are generally considered a genetic occurrence. In the case of discovering your young child has a crossbite, it should be treated before they sustain permanent damage to their face and jaw. Listen to all the options provided by your dentist, and choose the course of action that best suits your child.

Worried your son or daughter may have a crossbite? Call to schedule an appointment today at 702-735-2755 or visit us online at www.patricksimonedds.com today.

Dr. Patrick Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

Taking Care of a Baby’s Smile | Henderson Dentist

Now that we are full swing in 2022, it is time to take a moment to think about improving the health of you and your family. After all, we are trying to make our children as comfortable as possible during this time of their lives, but they’re baby teeth – why do we need to be on top of this right now? But the best time to start taking care of your child’s teeth is the moment that your child is born. Because baby teeth may fall out, but they are literal placeholders for the permanent ones. Even without teeth, bacteria can build up and cause damage as teeth begin to develop. So, let’s talk dental health tips for your tiny humans:

Before the first tooth breaks, wipe your baby’s gums with a soft damp cloth after every feeding. Once they begin to come in, it’s time to start brushing twice a day. Use a soft children’s toothbrush and minimal to non-fluoride toothpaste until they reach preschool-age, when the amount of toothpaste increases to the size of a pea.

Good habits start at home, so why not make this a family affair? We all need to take care of our teeth if we want to keep them – start by teaching your family good dental hygiene habits. Everyone needs to be involved get the habit to stick.

When it comes to dental visits, parents should take their children in for an appointment as soon as their first tooth pops out, but no longer than the child’s first birthday. Your dentist will look for any early signs and symptoms of problems.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about Dr. Simone’s practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Patrick Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

Teaching Good Halloween Habits | Henderson Dentist

We all know there’s no competing with Santa, but Halloween is the one day of the year that everyone can be anyone or anything they want to be. And above all that, there’s candy. Lots of candy given simply by saying those three magic words: trick or treat. No need to be good in order to dodge the coal in the stocking. In fact, the ‘trick’ in trick or treat almost praises bad kid behavior if candy ISN’T received. And while things have changed and Halloween isn’t quite the same as last year, ask yourself – how can I monitor my child’s oral health during this sugar-infused time of year? Here are some pediatric dental tips to keep in mind when going through your little monsters’ stash:

Tiny humans live for this day. Depriving them of what some would call a major part of the holiday will not only make your child upset but won’t make life at home very peaceful. So, instead of denying them the sweets, have them choose a set number of candies they want the most and let them have them. In addition to the limitation of sweet treats, set up a time of day that your child will be able to eat that candy. Similar to snack time at school, having a time when your little one knows a snack is allowed teaches them that snacking isn’t an all-day event, making them less inclined to crave sweets all day.

When sorting through the Halloween sacks, have your little one choose their favorites and get rid of the rest. You can have your own stash or donate them to others in need. Everyone should have a happy Halloween candy, just in moderation.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

The Aftercare of Halloween Night | Henderson Dentist

It’s Halloween night – the scariest night of the year. But did you know that it lands during National Dental Hygiene Month? Yes, it seems a bit counter-productive but it’s true. The American Dentist Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company are once again teaming up during National Dental Hygiene Month to increase public awareness about the important of maintaining good oral health. After all, Halloween is the time of year we are soaked in sugary confections. We should all take some time to look after our teeth after indulging in our spooky stash, so we don’t have any future issues when we visit the dentist again.

So, after you have had your fill of candy, focus on dental hygiene. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy at the time, rinse your mouth out with some water until you can brush properly. If you wait too long, the sugars will set up camp on your teeth, causing future issues like cavities and root canals. The focus of this year’s National Dental Hygiene Month is centered on the four components of good oral health maintenance:

  • Brushing twice a day
  • Flossing every day
  • Rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash
  • Chewing sugar-free gum

During National Dental Hygiene Month, the ADHA, WOHP and more allied partners will work to help dental hygienists all over the country make a difference in their communities. They will offer valuable resources and product samples to dental hygienist community outreach. Make sure to visit you dentist regularly to make sure you’re in good oral health.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

‘Tis the Season: Chocolate Candy Edition | Las Vegas Edition

If you were good this year, chances are you found some chocolate in with your holiday gifts. And December 28 is the perfect day to enjoy those chocolatey treats. It’s National Chocolate Candy Day – an entire day devoted to the yummiest of confections! Yes, I know what you’re thinking…praising chocolate isn’t a dentist’s job. But c’mon – we know that chocolate is amazing. We may even enjoy a candy bar from time to time. This is the difference between a dentist and everyone else: We are all for you enjoying the national day – just remember to take care of your teeth afterwards.

According to the American Dental Association, we should be brushing two times a day for at least two minutes, just barely the appropriate amount of time to sufficiently remove dirt from the front and back ends of the teeth. After brushing, use dental floss to get in between and hard to reach areas. Floss removes any extra food particles left in between teeth. If left untouched, those particles may turn into plaque, resulting in a higher risk for gum disease. Flossing is merely the act of wrapping a piece of string around your teeth, one by one, in order to remove any bacteria and excess material stuck between each tooth. Wrap a piece of floss around your index fingers, pull it taut between your thumb and index finger and guide the floss in between each tooth in a downward zigzag motion, gently scrubbing the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Finally, rinse your mouth with an ADA approved mouth wash to seal the cleanliness in and for a trace of fresh breath. Top off your oral hygiene with a quick check-up after the holidays are over to make sure you didn’t develop any chocolatey dental issues.

But before we go, here are a few fun facts to enjoy while you are snacking on your chocolate candy:

Chocolate Facts

  • In 1828, Dutch chemist Coenraad Van Houten invented the hydraulic press that makes it possible to remove the cocoa butter from the cacao, producing a powder and making way for the first chocolate confections.
  • In 1847 cocoa butter, cocoa powder and sugar were combined by British chocolate company J.S. Fry & Sons to produce the first edible chocolate bar.
  • Whitman’s produced the first box of chocolate.
  • Hershey Chocolate company designed a specific chocolate bar for the U.S. Army. The D ration bar was included in the emergency rations and in the packs of soldiers when the Allied troops stormed the beach of Normandy on D-Day.
  • Americans consume 12 pounds of chocolate each year.

Schedule an appointment today with Cosmetic and General Dentist Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created but visiting his website at www.patricsimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding ares.

Meet Dr. Simone | Henderson Dentist

After completing his undergraduate degree at St. John Fisher College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, Dr. Simone went on to graduate from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dentistry, where he earned a doctor of dental surgery degree. He then completed a residency in general dentistry at Rochester General Hospital.

Dr. Simone is an active member in the dental community, taking membership in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association, and the Clark County Dental Association. He is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, an accomplishment achieved by only 1% of the dentists in the United States.

Dr. Simone has spent his life practicing and perfecting advanced techniques that enable his clients to regain and maintain their quality of life and the dental health they desire. He was born and raised in Rochester New York and have been a Las Vegas resident since 1986.

For more information about Dr. Patrick Simone, call Dr. Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone also proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley, and surrounding areas.

Pediatric Dentistry in Henderson, NV

Dr. Patrick Simone of Henderson, NV recommends starting an oral regimen on children even before teeth appear by wiping a baby’s gums or using a baby toothbrush and water. As toddlers, it is a good time to begin brushing and flossing since teeth are in contact with each other and can begin to develop bacteria as well as plaque. Considering not all children need their teeth flossed at this age, it is a good idea to ask Dr. Patrick Simone for advice. When children reach age two, foster them to brush their own teeth, but make sure to follow up to make sure they are clean. Using fun games or a themed toothbrush can make children more willing to follow a positive oral hygiene routine.

Call us today at (702)735-2755 to learn more.

Content Received from Oral B