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Teen Screen Dental Program

At Harmony Dental Care in Ridgeland, MS, we believe in providing comprehensive care that goes beyond traditional pediatric dentistry. As teenagers transition from childhood into adulthood, their dental needs evolve, and this is where our unique Teen Screen Program comes in.

Many teens have undergone orthodontic treatment using braces or Invisalign®, often without a deep assessment of how their bite and jaw will hold up over the long term. Our Ridgeland dentist, Dr.  Kalil Abide, has observed that while orthodontia can improve the appearance of teeth, the quality and care of such treatments may not always address underlying bite and jaw health. Without proper evaluation, these bite issues can lead to bigger dental problems later in life, such as TMJ disorders, muscle pain, and instability in the jaw.

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What Does the Teen Screen Dental Program Involve?

The Teen Screen Program goes beyond traditional cavity checks to focus on evaluating key aspects of a teenager’s bite and overall oral health, ensuring a stable and healthy jaw as they grow older. Dr. Abide and his team assess:

  • Bite Alignment: Is the bite properly aligned to prevent future issues?
  • Retainer Use: Are retainers being used correctly to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment?
  • Jaw Stability: Will the teenager’s jaw remain stable throughout their lifetime?
  • Tooth Wear: Is the current state of the bite causing excess wear on the teeth? How can the bite be improved to slow down wear and prevent the need for veneers or crowns in the future?
  • TMJ and Muscle Health: Are there any early signs of muscle or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders?
  • Long-Term Stability: How stable is the jaw going into adulthood?

The goal of the Teen Screen Program is simple: to prevent small bite or jaw issues from becoming larger, more complicated dental problems down the road. By addressing these concerns early, we can help ensure that teenagers maintain not only a beautiful smile but also a healthy, functional jaw for life.

Why Choose Harmony Dental Care For Teen Dental Care?

Dr. Abide goes beyond traditional preventative and family dental care, which usually focuses on preventing tooth decay and gum disease, to look at the bigger picture—the overall health of the mouth, jaw, and muscles. While many general dentists may offer quick solutions like Invisalign® for teens without fully understanding the long-term implications, Dr. Abide takes a holistic approach to teen oral health. This program is designed to alleviate potential future problems before they become serious issues.

Furthermore, teens are at a unique age from both a physical and psychological standpoint. At Harmony Dental Care, our team is equipped to tailor our service approach to ensure teenage patients feel supported and empowered. We believe it is important to treat teens with respect and invite them to engage with the treatment process, encouraging them to ask questions and feel in-control of their care. Our hope is that fostering a positive rapport with teen patients will help ensure they maintain good dental habits throughout their lives.

Cosmetic Dentistry Services for Teens

In addition to the teen screen program, Dr. Abide also offers numerous cosmetic dentistry procedures designed to help teenagers smile with confidence. Options include:

Teen cosmetic dentistry can help address common dental insecurities, promoting a healthy mouth and enhanced self-esteem while incentivizing teens to take better care of their overall oral health and hygiene. 

Schedule a Teen Screen Today!

Navigating dental care during the teenage years can be challenging, but Harmony Dental Care is committed to making it easier. To schedule an appointment or for more information about teen dentistry, contact our Ridgeland office today.