Dentofacial Orthopaedics

Dr Daryl Crasta (GDC 294874)
Special Interest in Orthodontics

Daryl received his Bachelors Degree in Dental Surgery in 2007 & went on to pursue a 3 year Post Graduate Specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics which he completed in 2011. Daryl works as a Specialty Doctor in Orthodontics at Medway Maritime NHS Foundation Trust Hospital where he treats a wide range of complex Orthodontic cases. Daryl achieve’s remarkable results using advanced techniques such as Invisalign, Metal & Ceramic braces, Incognito lingual braces and mini implants.

Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7. This may seem early, but it’s an optimal time for an orthodontist to assess the development of their teeth, jaw, and overall oral health.

At this age, a child typically has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing an orthodontist to identify any early orthodontic issues that might benefit from intervention. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment; it’s about identifying potential problems and planning for the best timing of treatment, if needed.

Several signs might indicate that it’s time for your child to see an orthodontist for an evaluation:

1. Early Loss or Delayed Eruption of Baby Teeth: If your child’s baby teeth fall out significantly earlier or later than average, it might indicate an underlying issue.
2. Difficulty Chewing or Biting: Problems with biting or chewing food could suggest misaligned teeth or jaw issues.
3. Mouth Breathing: Persistent mouth breathing, particularly when asleep, might signal potential orthodontic problems, such as narrow airways or jaw misalignment.
4. Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use Beyond Age 3-4: Prolonged habits like thumb sucking can impact dental development, leading to misalignment or bite issues.
5. Crowded or Misaligned Teeth: If your child’s teeth appear crowded, misplaced, or if there are noticeable gaps, it’s advisable to seek an orthodontic evaluation.
6. Speech Issues: Difficulty with speech, such as lisping or persistent difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, might be related to orthodontic concerns.
7. Jaw Discrepancies: An overbite, underbite, or crossbite can become apparent as your child’s permanent teeth come in.
8. Facial Imbalance or Asymmetry: Noticeable imbalances in facial appearance or asymmetry in jaw structure could indicate potential orthodontic issues.
9. Early Tooth Loss due to Decay or Injury: Losing baby teeth earlier than expected due to decay or injury might affect the alignment of permanent teeth.
10. Grinding or Clenching of Teeth: Bruxism (teeth grinding) can signal misalignment issues or other orthodontic concerns.

1. Guiding Proper Growth: By identifying and addressing orthodontic issues early, we can guide the growth of the jaw and create ample space for permanent teeth, potentially reducing the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later in life.
2. Preventing Complications: Early treatment can prevent more serious orthodontic problems from developing, such as bite issues, overcrowding, or protruding teeth.
3. Addressing Habits: Correcting habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting early on can minimize their impact on dental alignment, contributing to a healthier bite.
4. Enhancing Self-Esteem: Improving dental alignment and appearance at a younger age can boost a child’s self-confidence and social interactions, positively impacting their self-esteem.
5. Streamlined Treatment: In many cases, early intervention can reduce the complexity and duration of future orthodontic treatment, potentially leading to shorter treatment times in adolescence.