Recognizing The Benefits of Dental Implants

Your child's oral health is important, so you most likely teach them how to properly brush and floss and schedule routine exams and cleanings. While imperative for the look and health of their teeth, basic dental visits may not be the only care they need. For many children, orthodontic treatment is necessary. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces and expanders, can be beneficial for children 7 years of age and younger. Because they are still developing, starting treatment early may reduce the risk of severe orthodontic issues in the future. Here are a few signs that your child may benefit from an orthodontic consultation.

Malocclusion

Dentists may suggest an orthodontic consultation if they notice your child has a malocclusion. While common, most people are not familiar with this misalignment of a bite. Here are a few types of malocclusions that may be affecting your child:

• Overbite – Upper front teeth extend over the bottom front teeth
• Underbite – Bottom jaw extends over the top front teeth
• Crossbite – Lower teeth do not line up with the corresponding upper teeth
• Overjet – Upper front teeth protrude out over the lower front teeth
• Open bite – Upper and lower teeth do not touch at all

Misalignments of the bite are not life-threatening conditions, but they can create difficulty when speaking and chewing. In addition, if left untreated, bite misalignments can damage the teeth, causing further dental issues and pain.

Thumb Sucking/Pacifier/Bottle Use

If your child has used their thumbs or pacifier to soothe themselves or has drunk from a bottle for an extended period of time, they may experience dental developmental issues that affect the way their teeth erupt and look.

Children who suck on their thumb, pacifier, or a bottle may have front teeth that have moved forward. This not only affects their bite but also their appearance.

Be sure to offer other solutions for your child to soothe themselves. Reading before bed, talking, or even light music are all effective ways your child can soothe themselves without harming their smile.

Eruption Delays

Every child is different, but most children will begin developing their permanent teeth around 6 to 7 years old when one of their first molars erupts. If your child is approaching or has passed this age without the eruption of one or more molars, your dentist may suggest consulting an orthodontist.

After taking a series of x-rays, the orthodontist can determine if there is a blockage or other underlying concern affecting the eruption of your child's permanent teeth.