Teeth Work Tips
- When to see a dentist
(please see disclaimer at the bottom of this page)
 Tip #1
We took our daughter, now 13 years old, to a pediatric dentist at about age 2 or 3.  There are some orthodontic appliances that can be used to help the open bite. One is called a quadrahelix and the other is a pallet expander, I think. Our daughter had both and braces and they helped some. However she still has an open-bite and it looks like jaw surgery is our only option to completely correct the open bite.

Tip #2
I started taking my daughter, now almost 13 years old, with me for my dental check ups as soon as she could sit. It got her used to the office and the staff. They knew that she has BWS and eventually would need to see an orthodontist. They see her for all her regular cleanings and check ups, but we also have an orthodontist. A pediatric dentist or a family dentist should be able to do the regular follow through.  If you are questioning whether or not to have a tongue reduction, then your child should be seen at a craniofacial clinic. The doctors that should evaluate the child are an orthodontist, plastic surgeon,  otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat), audiologist, and a speech pathologist. Did this answer your question? 

Tip #3
My son doesn't have a large enough tongue for reduction and is only mildly affected with BWS, but his teeth have grown in with an open bite. So, our dentist is aware of his condition and is looking at that. Also, he has a little heart murmur which they call a pulmonary stenosis-it's not serious at all, we're told. But to be on the safe side we medicate before the dental appt with a dose of an antibiotic. 

Tip #4
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Disclaimer: All information on this site, except for that from the doctors and researchers, is given by volunteers and parents. The information given is non-professional advice only and is not meant to replace the medical expertise of your doctor. The creators of this web site do not censor or edit tips submitted and are not responsible for any errors or misinformation. Please consult your physician for more information on how best to treat your child.

this page last modified: Tuesday March 27, 2007