Monmouth's Ask the Doctor May/June 2018

H E A L T H A R T I C L E S A N D Q & A

QUESTION: Why should I choose early orthodontic treatment for my child with a palate expander? A s Palatal expanders are often placed while a child

times will eliminate the need for extraction of permanent teeth to create space or invasive jaw surgery to correct the growth discrepancy after the jaws fully develop and often makes the difference between a good orthodontic result and a great orthodontist result. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule a complimentary first examination to determine if your child would benefit from this type of treatment. Call For A FREE Consultation On Any Service!

is still growing. They are used to widen the upper jaw so that the upper teeth fit properly together out and over the lower teeth. Underdeveloped growth or narrowing of the upper jaw is one of the major causes of

WEOFFER AFFORDABLE PAYMENTPLANS $102permonth

crowding. If the upper jaw is too narrow, there is not enough room for all the permanent teeth to erupt, which results in crowding, crossbites, underbites, or an edge-to-edge bite. Palatal expanders will not prevent the need for braces when all the permanent teeth erupt, but often times will eliminate the need for extraction of permanent teeth to create space or invasive jaw surgery to correct the growth discrepancy after the jaws fully develop. As the palate begins to expand, it creates more room in the mouth for all of the teeth and the remaining teeth can begin to shift into position and will be far closer to their final position. A palate expander will reduce treatment time too. Different factors can lead to narrow upper jaw growth such as thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting or mouth breathing due to enlarged tonsils. Although these problems may look harmless, they may have serious long-term consequences on aesthetics and both dental and physical health. Palatal expanders often

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Englishtown, NJ 07726

Complete Family Foot & Ankle Care

QUESTION: What can I do as a parent to help prevent foot and ankle injuries as Spring Sports Season

Starts Up? ANSWER:

Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, DPM

The ankle and feet are by far the most common sites of sports related injuries by children and are increasingly seen in youth sports. It is important that parents learn basic how to prevent sports related foot and ankle injuries and how to manage those injuries and when to seek aid of a podiatrist. Growth plates in children’s bones are not completed until their later teen years and are more susceptible to both traumatic and stress injuries in younger children. Proper footwear that is designed for a single sport, formal warm-ups and thorough stretching exercises, should be part of every youthful athlete’s pre-game routine as well as cool-down sessions. The American Academy of Podiatrists also recommends that a preseason physical examination by a podiatric professional is valuable insurance against latent foot and ankle problems which can suddenly turn into serious and long-lasting injuries. If a young athlete injures an ankle or foot during sports activity and if serious pain is experienced or the ankle/foot appears to look different, professional medical treatment is required. Foot injuries should be taken seriously and seeing a specialist always ensures best prevention as well as recovery.

Our Specialty Services For Adults, Children & Seniors Bunions Children Corns & Callouses Diabetic Foot Care Flatfeet Fungus HammerToeTreatment Heel Pain InGrownToeNails Plantar FasciitisTreatment Plantar Warts Orthotics and Surgery

215 Gordons Corner Road, Suite 2A Manalapan, NJ 07726 astepuppodiatry.com • 732-446-7136

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