Did you know that untreated orthodontic issues can lead to serious oral health problems in adulthood? If you are concerned about your child’s oral health, it is best to recognize the signs of orthodontic concerns early to avoid costly treatments down the road. An orthodontist in Pearl City can help you understand these issues and recommend the appropriate treatment to ensure your child’s healthy smile lasts a lifetime.
What Are the Top 3 Orthodontic Issues Children Face?
Dental Crowding
Dental crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the mouth for permanent teeth to grow properly. In some cases, the crowding may be so severe that it affects the development of the jaw and can lead to changes in the facial structure.
Common Causes of Dental Crowding
Genetics
In many cases, dental crowding is inherited from one or both parents.
Early Loss of Baby Teeth
If a child loses a baby tooth too early, it can cause the remaining teeth to shift and become crowded.
Habits
Thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, and other oral habits can cause the teeth and jaws to shift out of alignment and lead to crowding.
Jaw Size
If the jaw is too small to accommodate all teeth, it can cause crowding.
Tumors or Cysts
In rare cases, tumors or cysts can affect the development of the jaw and lead to dental crowding.
Why You Should Address Dental Crowding Early On
Crowded teeth are difficult to clean.
Cleaning crowded teeth can be difficult, making it easier for plaque and bacteria to build up, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to more serious oral health problems, including tooth loss and systemic health issues.
Crowding impacts a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
Additionally, crowded teeth can affect the smile’s appearance, impacting a child’s self-esteem and confidence. In severe cases, it can even lead to difficulty in speech and eating. This can have social and emotional consequences, especially as the child enters adolescence.
Early treatment prevents serious orthodontic problems from developing later on.
By creating more space in the mouth for permanent teeth to grow in properly, the risk of other orthodontic issues, such as overbite or crossbite, can be reduced.
Treatment for dental crowding depends on the severity of the condition. In some cases, removing a few teeth can create enough space for the remaining teeth to grow properly. In other cases, traditional metal braces or orthodontic appliances may be necessary to shift the teeth into the correct position gradually.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. While a slight overbite is normal, a more severe overbite can cause dental problems and affect the smile’s appearance.
Common Causes of an Overbite
Genetics
An overbite is usually a hereditary condition passed on from one or both parents.
Thumb-Sucking
Prolonged thumb-sucking can cause the upper front teeth to move forward, resulting in an overbite.
Tongue-Thrusting
Habitual tongue-thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the front teeth, can also cause an overbite.
Early Loss of Baby Teeth
Losing a baby tooth too early can result in the shifting of surrounding teeth, leading to the development of an overbite.
Skeletal Issues
In some cases, an overbite may be caused by skeletal issues with the jaw, such as a shorter lower jaw or a longer upper jaw.
Why You Should Address an Overbite Early On
Severe overbites can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
A severe overbite can cause dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, as the upper teeth can make it difficult to clean the lower teeth properly. This can lead to oral health issues that can be costly and time-consuming to treat.
Moreover, a severe overbite can cause speech problems, jaw pain, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, neck, and head. TMJ disorder can also lead to headaches and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
An overbite affects the appearance of the child’s smile.
An overbite can significantly affect a child’s self-esteem and confidence due to its effect on the appearance of their smile. Furthermore, having an overbite can have social and emotional repercussions the child enters adolescence, a time when appearance and self-image are crucial to their development.
Treatment for an overbite depends on the severity of the condition. A simple retainer or braces may be enough to shift the teeth into the correct position in mild cases. In more severe cases, headgear may be necessary to help move the upper jaw into the correct position.
In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the skeletal issues with the jaw. It is important to note that early treatment can prevent more serious orthodontic problems from developing later on, so it is crucial to address an overbite as soon as possible.
Crossbite
A crossbite is an orthodontic condition where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can cause uneven wear on the teeth and may also affect the development of the jaw. Crossbites can be caused by genetics, habits such as thumb-sucking, or a narrow upper jaw.
Common Causes of a Crossbite:
Genetics
Hereditary factors frequently play a significant role in developing a crossbite.
Habits
Thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, and other oral habits can cause a crossbite by pushing the teeth and jaws out of alignment.
Narrow Upper Jaw
If the upper jaw is narrower than the lower jaw, it can cause the teeth to shift out of alignment and result in a crossbite.
Missing Teeth
Premature loss of a baby tooth can cause the adjacent teeth to migrate towards the gap, leading to a crossbite.
Crowding
When there is not enough space in the mouth for teeth to grow in properly, it can cause the teeth to shift and result in a crossbite.
Why You Should Address a Crossbite Early On
A crossbite can significantly impact a child’s quality of life.
Problems with chewing and speaking often result from a crossbite. Besides leading to jaw pain and headaches, this can significantly impact a child’s quality of life, affecting their ability to eat and speak comfortably.
A crossbite can significantly impact a child’s quality of life.
Since a crossbite can cause uneven wear on the teeth, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Over time, this can result in more serious oral health problems that can be costly and time-consuming to treat.
Early treatment helps avoid more extensive treatments in the future.
Early treatment of a crossbite can prevent more serious orthodontic problems that may require extensive and costly treatments later on.
Treatment for a crossbite depends on the severity of the condition. A simple retainer or braces may be enough to shift the teeth into the correct position in mild cases. Orthodontic appliances such as a palate expander or headgear may be necessary in more severe cases to help move the jaw into the correct position.
Looking for an Orthodontist in Pearl City?
At Kidshine Pediatric Dental Group, we provide expert orthodontic care to help your child achieve a straight and beautiful smile. Contact us today to make an appointment.