According to the American Dental Association, children should have their first orthodontic appointment at the age of 7. This appointment will help you and your orthodontist know which, if any, teeth problems your child may be developing so we can create a personalized plan to prevent further issues down the road.
At the office of Timothy E. Mickiewicz, DDS, we want to make sure you know what to look for when it comes to your child’s teeth and mouth development. Some common orthodontic issues in children include:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Spacing
If these issues are addressed early on, speech impairment, jaw pain, chewing issues, and costly dental work can be avoided when the child is older. If you have noticed any of these issues in your child, contact our practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mickiewicz.
Underbite
An underbite is when the lower front teeth have grown in front of the upper front teeth. To give you a visual, underbites are common in bulldogs. This can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, this is much more than a cosmetic problem, it can also cause:
- Problems with biting and chewing
- Difficulty talking
- Mouth and face discomfort
Underbites are most commonly treated by braces, but in severe cases appliances or even surgery may be needed. Each of these devices is custom-made for your child to fix the problem in a timely manner. Each of these methods will begin at an appropriate age.
Overbite
The opposite of an underbite, an overbite is when the upper front teeth protrude out above the lower front teeth. This can be caused by genetics, thumb-sucking, or using a pacifier for too long. Whatever the case, braces can easily remedy overbites. Most children receive braces between the ages of 8 and 14. However, if the problem stems from jaw issues, surgery or appliances might also be necessary. Dr. Mick will be happy to discuss the best option for your child in a comprehensive exam.
Crossbite
If either parent of a child had or has crossbite, it is likely that the child will too. There are two distinct types of crossbites:
- The top teeth sit behind the lower front teeth.
- The upper back teeth sit inside the lower teeth.
If not treated, crossbite can cause significant dental and skeletal damage in the future. To treat this issue, Dr. Mick may use a palatal or maxillary expander, removeable expander, surgery, or braces.
Spacing
Once your child’s permanent teeth begin to develop, spacing issues may fix themselves, but if not, braces are a simple solution. Whether the spacing occurs in just the top teeth or the bottom, teeth movement will affect every area of the mouth so braces on the top and bottom will be required.
Sometimes, a thick tissue called frenum develops in the gums and needs to be removed for the teeth to shift. If this is the case, a frenectomy will be necessary. Dr. Mick will simply go in and remove this tissue from the mouth. This procedure is very quick, common, and nearly painless.
Make an appointment today!
Catching these issues early on is the best way to help your child’s teeth and mouth development and can prevent you from having to pay the big bucks later. Dr. Mick is eager to meet with you and your child to develop a comprehensive, personalized plan to address any of these common issues.
To set up an appointment, visit our website or contact our Sacramento, CA office today at (916) 469-9178.
