Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up, from Memorial Smiles

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Memorial Smiles, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started sooner. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Bonham and Marc Magness to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what we like to call “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected by our doctors and staff.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Memorial Smiles to schedule an appointment.

The advantage of mouth guards, with Memorial Smiles

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s why the team at Memorial Smiles is doing its part to spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Drs. Magness will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment at no additional charge. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Drs. Magness are trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Memorial Smiles.

Ask Drs. Magness: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Drs. Magness and our team at Memorial Smiles work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! Drs. Marc Magness and Bonham Magness are both board-certified orthodontists and have committed their professional careers to creating beautiful and healthy smiles; smiles that exude confidence and promote self-esteem.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Magness can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Get to Know the Orthodontists

Meet Dr. Marc Magness:

I began my orthodontic career by earning my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and my Master’s Degree in orthodontics from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. I focused most of my graduate training on providing passive expansion for young patients. I became a board certified orthodontist after completing my education.

While I have completed all of the educational requirements and training necessary to become an orthodontist, I continue to pursue educational opportunities through continuing education. Orthodontics is always changing and advancing with new technology and treatment procedures. I like to stay current with the latest orthodontic advancements in order to ensure that my patients receive the most up-to-date treatments.

I am also proud to serve as the President of the Century Club of the University of Texas Orthodontic Department, and as the Secretary of the A.P. Westfall Seminar. Both of these organizations promote the pursuit of excellence in orthodontics, and explore the future advances that impact orthodontic treatments. I enjoy what I do as an orthodontist, and I love being involved in the orthodontic community. My work in orthodontics has given me so many wonderful opportunities to learn and grow in my profession, and I have had the chance to work with some great people. I was honored to be named “Super Dentist (in orthodontics)” by Texas Monthly magazine due to my contributions to the orthodontic profession.

When I am not at the practice, I enjoy spending time with family at our family ranch, riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing, running, and playing golf.

Meet Dr. W Bonham Magness:

It is my pleasure to serve you and your family. For over 45 years, I have been practicing orthodontics in the Houston area. I enjoy working with patients of all ages, and knowing that I am making a positive difference in their lives. A smile means so many different things to different people, and I love being a part of my patient’s personal transformations throughout their treatments. I look forward to sharing with you the joys of beautiful, healthy, bright Texas smiles!

After receiving my dental education and specialization in orthodontics, I opened my private practice here in Houston. Over the years, I have been honored to serve my community, and I have received many special awards for my work as an orthodontist, but the greatest reward of all is earning my patient’s trust.

I believe that a good orthodontist never stops learning. The field of orthodontics is always changing, and I am committed to staying current with the latest orthodontic advances through continuing education opportunities. I am a member, diplomate, and the former president of the American Board of Orthodontics, and I currently serve as a Clinical Professor of Orthodontics at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. I was also honored to receive the Yellen-Schoverling Award, the Martin Dewey Award, the Dale Wade Award, and the Todd and Helen Dewell Award for my efforts in the orthodontic field.