Orthodontic care is a crucial aspect of ensuring your child’s overall health, and it starts a lot earlier than most people realize. At Foley Orthodontics, we often receive parents asking, “Does my child need to see an orthodontist?”
In this article, we will walk you through common cues when your child deserves an orthodontic evaluation.
When Should a Child See an Orthodontist?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children around the age of 7 should receive their initial orthodontic evaluation. It sounds surprising when you take a look at your little one and realize they still have a lot of their baby teeth.
However, an assessment from Dr. John Foley doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be coming out with a brace or a procedure done on them. Above all else, an evaluation will let Dr. Foley check your kid’s tooth and jaw and assure you, the parents, that everything is going fine.
Still, there are more pressing concerns that require an orthodontic intervention. Some of the signs to look out for include the following:
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Spacing Problems
Malocclusion is a technical term describing teeth misalignment, whether your teeth are too crowded or too spaced apart, or when your teeth are crooked. While it’s easily noticeable and looks normal, certain conditions could lead to more serious problems down the line.
Aside from affecting your kid’s smile and how they look, teeth alignment also affects other parts of their development. Mouth breathing, sleeping problems, speech impediments, and even jaw development issues are some of the concerns stemming from teeth alignment.
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Incorrect Bites
Also known as occlusion, bite goes beyond how kids bite into their food, it refers to the fitting of their teeth against each other in the mouth. There are different forms of incorrect bites, such as the following:
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- Overbite: A vertical misalignment where your upper row of teeth overlaps with the lower row more than the normal.
- Underbite: Considered the opposite of an overbite, the lower teeth exceed the upper row of your child’s teeth.
- Crossbite: Multiple misalignment where upper teeth go in front and behind the lower teeth.
Each of these problems can affect how your child’s teeth grow and can affect the orientation of their jaw. In turn, this affects speech and facial shape as they grow older.
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Unhealthy Oral Habits
Your kids can pick up habits, whether by imitating other people around them or by compensating for a need they have. In terms of orthodontics, these habits go either way: they may either be caused by a looming developmental problem, or the habits can cause them in return.
Some unhealthy habits children often pick up include:
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Thumb sucking
Children suck on their thumbs as an alternative to pacifiers, intended to satisfy their need to suckle and soothe them. Unfortunately, this can lead to misaligned teeth since their thumb (or any other finger) presses on their teeth, applying excessive force.
One treatment solution Dr. Foley can recommend is a thumb crib. It is a dental appliance installed in their little mouths that satisfies the urge to pull without applying that force to their teeth — working until your kid outgrows the habit.
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Tongue-thrusting
It is essentially similar to thumb-sucking, but instead uses the tongue to push the teeth out of their natural position. Similarly, a tongue crib can be recommended to address this habit. It has a different design compared to a thumb crib, but performs the same function.
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Mouth breathing
Mouth breathing happens when a kid breathes through their mouth instead of their nasal pathways. When done regularly, it can cause their mouths to dry up and encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in the teeth, gums, and tongue.
There are orthodontic appliances designed to fix the structural issue that causes mouth breathing, encouraging nasal breathing instead.
What to Expect From Your Child’s First Orthodontic Consultation?
A child’s first dental exam is designed to ensure their oral health and normal dental growth. Our team at Foley Orthodontics understands that this can be a first-time experience for both the child and their parents. So, here’s what you can expect from your kid’s first orthodontic appointment.
In-depth research
Your child’s care begins with a thorough dental, nasal, and oral exam. The dentist will look for signs of misalignment, crowding, gaps, and bite issues such as overbite, underbite, curvature, or openness. This test usually includes taking x-rays and photographs to get a better view of the teeth and jawbone.
Medical and dental history review
The dentist will review your child’s medical and dental history to understand past dental treatments, medical conditions, or habits (like thumb sucking) that may affect their dental development. This background information helps to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Medical Discussion
Once the exam is done, the dentist will discuss the findings with you. Known issues will be explained and whether immediate treatment is needed or if your child can wait until more permanent teeth are in place.
Addressing questions and concerns
This is also the time to ask any questions you may have about treatment plans, costs, insurance coverage, and what to expect for follow-up visits The dentist will provide information on how to care for your child’s teeth and changes that are made for food or oral hygiene during treatment
Secure Brighter Smiles For Your Little Ones
Early orthodontic intervention doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s something wrong with your kid. More than anything else, an evaluation from Dr. Foley ensures that they’re on the right track, and our team at Foley Orthodontics is ready to provide the support your precious one needs. Schedule your free consultation at our Cary office and we’ll give your kids the treatment they deserve.