How to Tell If Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment may be recommended in pediatric dentistry for children who have warning signs of tooth decay and other oral health issues. It is important that parents take their children to routine appointments with their dentist to determine if any red flags raise concerns. For most children, these appointments should start as soon as the first tooth erupts. While this may seem early, it can actually be quite beneficial later on. If a pediatric dentist notices any concerns during these initial appointments, then the child can be taken to an orthodontist, who can outline a course of action for early orthodontic treatment. Are you ready to learn more about the signs that early orthodontic treatment might be required?

Signs that early orthodontic treatment may be needed

Here are a few of the signs that may indicate a need for early orthodontic treatment in children. Understanding these can be quite beneficial for parents and their children. 

Crooked baby or adult teeth

When a child's baby teeth begin to grow in, parents should first visit a pediatric dentist. The pediatric dentist will be able to determine whether the baby teeth are growing in straight. However, not all parents take this initial step in visiting a pediatric dentist. In that case, it is up to them to monitor progression and growth. 

The first few baby teeth may not indicate anything serious. However, if all of the baby teeth have grown in crookedly, then it is best to visit a pediatric dentist to determine if early orthodontic treatment is required. Many parents may not think that the baby teeth are important, but they actually are. They lay the foundation for the adult teeth, which will likely be affected if the baby teeth are crooked. 

As the adult teeth begin to come in, parents should keep a close eye on them to see whether their positioning is crooked or straight. If the baby teeth were crooked, then it is likely that the adult teeth will grow in similarly, thus requiring early orthodontic treatment. In these cases, an orthodontist may be able to get the child started with the treatment so the remaining adult teeth develop in the correct positions.  

An underbite or overbite

Parents should check their children's mouths to see if there is an underbite or overbite. This can easily be checked when the child is eating or smiling with their mouth open. If an underbite or overbite is present at any age during childhood, then early orthodontic treatment may be necessary. Either bite issue can cause serious problems with the jaw, which is why treatment may be recommended early on. 

Addressing bite issues during early orthodontic treatment can be extremely beneficial in the future. When the jaw is not properly positioned, the result can be chronic pain, a temporomandibular joint disorder, bruxism, jaw clenching, and even headaches or neck pain. Each of these will require additional treatment that can consume valuable resources, such as time and money. Therefore, it is advised to address bite issues as early on as possible, thus eliminating any risks that other issues may develop. 

Crowding

One thing to keep an eye out for is crowding. When the baby teeth fall out, the adult teeth should begin to grow in. If they are already beginning to crowd as they erupt, then early orthodontic treatment may be necessary. Crowding can lead to many oral health problems. When the teeth are poorly positioned or there is not enough room for certain teeth, others are forced to shift. This can create small pockets that might be inaccessible when brushing or flossing. The result might be cavities or gum disease, both of which require the need for additional treatment.

If treatment is done early enough, then the crowding can likely be addressed. This way, complications with eating and oral hygiene can be avoided before they become too problematic. 

Learn more today!

While crowding, crookedness, and uneven bites are the main indicators that early orthodontic treatment is needed, there may be other signs that are patient specific. Each child is different, which means their needs will vary. Working with an orthodontist in pediatric dentistry is the best place to start. They can perform an evaluation to determine what course of action is needed. Reach out today to learn more or to get started! We would be happy to address any questions or concerns that you may have.

Request an appointment here: https://jacksonheightdental.com or call 82nd St. Dental at (718) 709-3883 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.

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